JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, takes full charge of the management of the Older Adolescent Program (OAP) site(s); participates as an interdisciplinary team leader with the OAP team, site case manager, Educational Specialist, and other community-based service providers in the formulation and implementation of all case plans; has primary responsibility for establishment of the therapeutic milieu and system of care. Sets the tone for the site(s) promoting a youth guided and strengths- based environment. Requires knowledge of trauma exposure, knowledge of the 5 S's of trauma: Safety, Self-Regulation/Soothing, Supportive, Strengths, Self-Care, and an understanding of and recognition of the signs of traumatic stress. Transports youth in agency vehicle/van when necessary. Must have the ability to move from floor to floor several times during an 8-hour shift at those sites which have more than one floor. May be responsible for more than one site and must have the ability to travel between the two sites in personal vehicle if necessary. Good verbal communication and the ability to provide good written documentation utilizing the computer. Utilization of verbal intervention skills. Exhibits flexibility to adjust hours to provide coverage at the site in the absence of employees as needed. Flexible schedule required as Site Coordinator maintains on-call responsibility 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Participates in the planned daily routines that will foster independent living among residents, which will help them progress to reside in their own apartments successfully. Supervises, guides and encourages socially acceptable habits regarding hygiene, personal grooming, appropriate housekeeping techniques, making/keeping vital appointments, school attendance, employment, use of public transportation, budgeting, banking, meal planning/preparation/appropriate storage, table manners and positive individual/community relationships with others
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Promotes a youth guided, family centered, and strengths-based environment at all times
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Supervises the provision of basic living needs, such as food, shelter, clean clothes, bedding, and other personal items and services needed to meet the requirements of reasonably comfortable and socially acceptable apartment living as well as the special needs of individual residents
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Provides and symbolizes adult security to residents by maintaining discipline and order within the group, keeping the demands of individual residents in balance with the needs of the group as a whole
- Sets a positive example for employees, is a role model. Supports and trains employees on appropriate strategies using the 5 S's and therapeutic de-escalation skills
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Promotes professional growth in employees, fostering strengths and redirecting efforts as necessary
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Ensure employees attend training related to being trauma informed-at least two every twelve months
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Mediate personnel conflicts with respect and dignity
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Understand the impact of secondary trauma and workplace stress and use strategies to prevent, minimize and/or help employees heal and recover.
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Ensure assessment tools used to inform practice and treatment include screens for trauma exposure
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Maintain fidelity of trauma focused interventions and treatment modalities
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Holds regular (at least bi-weekly), documented supervision of supervisees
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Actively involved in planning and delivery of training related to own area of expertise and needs of programs supervised
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Encourages and assists residents with planning casual recreation. Assigns and facilitates other activities such as household chores, meal planning, other work projects and group recreation designed to promote a healthy peer living experience, increase independent living skills and provide residents with tools for independently facilitating a meaningful and socially acceptable outlet for accumulated physical energy and emotion
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Stimulates residents to expand their knowledge base, assists with exploration of vocational and educational possibilities at the secondary and post-secondary educational level. Generally, orients residents toward social norms, which govern life both within and outside the agency
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Responsible for supervising and evaluating site employees, which includes but is not limited to making recommendations for personnel actions, providing work schedules/coverage in accordance with DCFS standards, monitoring overtime, approving vacation requests, facilitating individual supervision and when needed, progressive discipline
- Assigns and deploys site employees in ways that would make best use of their talents and strengths in meeting the needs of the residents
- Orients new workers and volunteers to the site
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Facilitates bi-weekly team meetings and schedules employee trainings/seminars to maintain required certifications and enhance employee's professional knowledge
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Trains employees and develop their skills. Helps employees through particular difficulties with individual youth
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Makes recommendations to administration for policy or program changes
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Interprets, facilitates and enforces the agency's and DCFS policies as well as program procedures
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Responsible for the care and supervision of residents while driving them to/from destinations including the safe operation and cleanliness of the agency vehicle. Reports to the supervisor the physical condition of the agency vehicle and follows up with appropriate individuals to address any maintenance issues with the vehicle
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Manages all administrative matters pertaining to site operation. This includes the site budget, petty cash, residents' allowances, site supplies, and overall cleanliness and maintenance upkeep of the site
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Maintains a community-oriented approach at the site, including good public relations with community persons and organizations
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Uses active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
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Understand that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
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Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment
- Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve-month period
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Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
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Participates in employee conferences, in-service training, and other activities to improve own knowledge and to share knowledge with other employees
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Demonstrates a commitment to and participates in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities as assigned
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Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
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At least 25 years of age.
- Bachelor's Degree required
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3 years of experience in residential, transitional, shelter care program or a related youth service program
- Demonstrated competence working with adolescents ages 17-21
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Ability to effectively supervise, work with others and willingness to learn on the job
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Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred
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Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strength-based approach preferred
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Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
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Valid Illinois Driver's license
- No history of child abuse or neglect
- Ability to pass background and drug screen
This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt.
Job descriptions are not intended, and should not be construed to be all-inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.
Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
