Independent Living Specialist

About the role

Founded in 1867, the Sacramento Children's Home is the oldest active charity in Sacramento and among the most highly respected. SCH is an equal opportunity employer who values an inclusive work environment that celebrates and recognizes the diversity of its employees.

Responsibilities

• (70%) Vocational, Living Skills, Education Assessment and Development
• Ensures completion of Casey Life Skills Assessment and implements interventions based on results.
• Develops and implements interdisciplinary education and employment plans for identified youth.
• Develops curriculum for vocational/living skills classes for youth.
• Conducts individualized and group instruction in the development of vocational and independent living skills.
• Assists residents in applying for college, vocational training, and financial support.
• Aids clients in the job application process by teaching clients how to find appropriate employment, complete job applications, write resumes, and procure suitable identification.
• Taught and coached clients how to prepare for interviews, stage mock interviews, provide helpful feedback, and if necessary, accompany clients to job interviews. Supports clients after interviews by debriefing.
• Maintains monitoring of clients in new jobs, at least weekly, to help with social or other work-related issues.
• Transports clients to appointments, interviews, and new employment training as necessary.
• (10%) Residential Counselor Duties
• Ensures the safety of the residents at all times consistent with agency standards of supervision.
• Assists the children in the performance of regular daily activities, including bed making, personal hygiene, room cleaning, and all other chores normally expected of children their ages.
• Provides a caring, warm, consistent environment for the children through setting clear boundaries, supporting, encouraging, and giving verbal praise and acknowledgment to children for positive actions and decisions to help build self-esteem, age appropriate interpersonal skills, positive thinking, problem solving, proper language, coping skills, respect for others and self, and brainstorming alternative, appropriate behaviors, etc.
• Works closely and maintains consistent and appropriate communication with all other staff members as a part of a comprehensive treatment team.
• Maintains and follows the daily structure, routines, activities in a timely manner.
• Uses Love and Logic approach and techniques in daily interaction with children.
• Provides Trauma Informed Care by using knowledge of the effects of trauma on child development and behavior.
• Uses Crisis Management techniques including restraints when necessary, as learned per Pro-Act to ensure the safety of staff and residents.
• Attends and participates in team meetings to be aware of and facilitate the development and application of Needs and Services treatment plans for each child.
• Attends and utilizes all training that is provided, in compliance with Community Care Licensing (CCL) requirements.
• (10%) Networking
• Develops and maintains working relationships with various community agencies (i.e. LaFamilia, Urban League, Independent Living Program, Casey Great Start, Crossroads Workability, Job Corps, Sacramento Employment & Training Agency (SETA), etc.), as well as potential employers in the community.
• Supports youth in attaining other community resources for their educational, vocational, and independent living goals.
• Develops employer resource list and establishes working relationships with employers, to assist clients in maintaining their jobs.
• (10%) Other Duties
• Completes written documentation per residential program requirements and in compliance with agency policy and training.
• Completes Progress Notes for mental health billing as requested by supervisor.
• Maintains a record of each youth’s ILP services to include, but not limited to, Casey Life assessment, interventions, progress, etc. in a hardcopy or electronic version.
• Attends identified Residential meetings and individual meetings with Cottage Facilitators to ensure appropriate coordination of care.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, training, case reviews and other meetings as required.
• Communicates with interdisciplinary team regarding client needs and progress and available resources.
• May provide supportive educational tutoring as needed and approved by manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• A BA/BS degree in any field is required. A degree in Human Services, Education, Human Development, Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation or a related field is preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience working with SED children or working in a mental health setting is required.
• Previous experience in workability program development, vocational counseling or tutoring is highly desired.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be able to report to work on a regular and reliable basis.
• Driving is an essential function of this job, and as such, employees in this position will be required to furnish their own vehicle to be used in the course of employment.
• A valid CA driver’s license and minimum insurance coverage is required.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance, short and long-term disability plans, retirement plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, professional development and career advancement opportunities.