Pathway Family Services LLC JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Independent Living Specialist

Transcription

1 Pathway Family Services LLC JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Independent Living Specialist EXEMPT: BENEFITS ELIGIBLE: DEPARTMENT: REPORTS TO: Yes Yes TRAIL Director, Transitional Living PREPARED BY: Human Resources DATE: APPROVED BY: VP, Residential & Treatment Services DATE: ANNUAL REVIEW: I. POSITION PURPOSE Promotes the well-being of youth residing in the Teens Reaching Adulthood and Independent Living (TRAIL) program, directs and participates in staff meetings, trainings and coordinates with staff from other agencies involved in providing services. Position will manage a caseload of adolescents residing in care and supervise support staff. Performs the following duties directly or through subordinates. II. NATURE AND SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. In coordination with the Therapeutic Case Manager, manages a caseload of adolescents placed in onsite apartments. Assists support workers in providing a safe learning environment for adolescents in placement. Ensures all youth receive orientation to the program structure, available services, and expectations. Understands the philosophy of person-centered planning and integrates this philosophy into the creation of the service planning process with the primary focus on successful transition into adulthood. Maintains a close working relationship with public and private agencies involved in making referrals to the program. Provides information and collaboration to the contract agency on all matters related to the adolescent, as required. Assists in the recruitment, training and hiring of support workers. Develops individualized independent living service plans for adolescents in coordination 1

2 with Therapeutic Case Manager, contract agency worker and adolescent s parents or mentor. Assumes responsibility for the implementation and oversight of the developed plan to include revision and timely updates. Utilizes the program assessments to develop a person-centered, appropriate plans to promote independent living. Works closely with Finance Department to ensure youth money is disbursed according to procedure and policy. Ensures adolescents have the necessary household items to reside in the apartment. Provides 24 hour, on-call support to adolescents and support staff. Provides crisis intervention, when required. Responds to referral sources within program guidelines and maintains appropriate networking contacts to ensure program referrals. Coordinates community resources for the benefit of adolescent s employment, education, mentorship, and volunteerism. Makes placement decisions based on adolescent information received by contract agencies and the youth interview process. Monitors and ensures youth have active participation in all required program curriculum on an ongoing basis. Assists in identifying service gaps and assists in remedying those gaps as necessary. Provides information and assists in the utilization of existing community supports and services relevant to the youth s needs. Follows up as necessary with the youth s primary case manager or the youth, following discharge to assure service acquisition post discharge. Ensures youth are placed in properly furnished apartments. Completes documentation and forwards reports containing descriptive, analytical and evaluative content. Will be required to drive personal or agency vehicle while transporting children or conducting agency business. Must possess a valid driver's license. Must meet agency underwriting standards while driving agency vehicles and/or transporting clients. Refrains from assuming any duty that is unrelated to and/or interferes with the responsibilities of the position. Provides regular supervision and professional development of subordinate agency employees. 2

3 Advocates, promotes and practices cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in all day-today interactions. Advocates for youth in voicing complaints, concerns and grievances when appropriate. Facilitates or coordinates mediation services when necessary. In absence of Therapeutic Case Manager, responsible for making behavioral health referrals, development, implementation and oversight of individualized living service plans, ensuring timely completion of behavioral health assessments and, if appropriately licensed and approved by Manager, on-going therapy. Develops, promotes and practices teamwork in all activities. SUPERVISION: Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Conducts staff meetings and completes individual and group supervision monthly. Creates and posts work schedules for staff. Responsible for ensuring coverage for all shifts, and provides back up when necessary. Directly supervises employees as denoted on the Agency Organizational Chart in accordance with federal, state and/or accreditation requirements. III. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Bachelor s degree in Human Service field and at least 25 years of age is required based on state requirement of being at least 3 years older than the oldest resident. Prefer individual with at least two years experience working with adolescents. PRESENTATION SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, care providers or regulatory agencies. Ability to effectively present information to management and public groups. FINANCIAL/COMPUTATIVE SKILLS: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to 3

4 practical situations. Familiarity with computers and their capabilities. Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Word Programs. Must have basic knowledge of programs and utilizing internet search engines. ANALYTICAL ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Transport youth as required by program. Must maintain current valid driver s license, valid vehicle insurance, and a driving record within agency standards. IV. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, stand, sit and walk. The employee frequently is required to use hands and fingers; climb or balance; and stoop or kneel. The employee is required to be able to safely operate a motor vehicle and be able to obtain a license therefore. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to walk up and down stairs possibly multiple times in a shift if the job requires such. V. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. 4

5 The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. VI. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTIBILITIES Directly responsible for the proper operation and staffing of the program. Directly responsible for the organization and cleanliness of the office. Directly responsible for individualized independent living service plans for youth in coordination with Therapeutic Case Manager, contract agency worker and adolescent s parents or mentor. 5