In-Home Support Specialist

Program And Role Summary

The primary focus of the In Home Support Specialist is to provide direct care for Therapeutic Shelter Homes children/youth aged 0-17. The role is focused on helping the children/youth adjust to the shelter home environment and transition into community settings.

Primary Responsibilities

• Participate in various activities to engage child/youth, such as outings, homework help, and activities promoting social, emotional, and cultural health.
• Participate in Child Family Team (CFT) meetings for minors to facilitate placement planning.
• Notify DCFS co-located staff of any children/youth’s challenging and difficult behaviors for documentation and informing the APT (placement search team).
• Aid in transportation needs of youth, including medical emergencies, medical appointments, and relocation to alternate TSH within the same TSH Agency.
• Assist TSH Resource Parent with respite care at request, assuming direct care if necessary.
• Complete Unusual Incident Reports and cross-report to relevant staff as necessary.
• Support TSH Resource Parent in preplacement efforts, including Get to Know (G2K) calls, and offer support to TSH minors/youth.
• Assist in securing and preparing the home environment for shelter placement of minors, identifying potentially dangerous items.
• Utilize Welligent EHR system for documentation, including intakes, safety plans, progress notes, incident reports, discharges, etc.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field from an accredited university is preferred, plus one (1) year of experience in mental health, residential setting, or related field OR Associate's degree plus three (3) years’ experience in mental health, residential setting, or related field OR High school diploma or GED equivalent plus (7) years of experience in mental health, residential setting, or related field.
• Valid California driver's license and eligibility to drive agency vehicles.
• Experience working with high-risk children, adolescents, adults, and/or families within the Wraparound, Mental Health, Educational, Child Welfare, and/or Juvenile Probation systems is required.
• Must be 21 years of age to drive agency vehicles.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4%.
• Employee referral program.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible.
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans.

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.