Independent Living Program Specialist

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Options Counseling and Family Services, founded in 1991 in Florence, Oregon, has since expanded to serve fourteen counties in western Oregon. Headquartered in Eugene, we provide quality mental health and family preservation services to diverse communities. Committed to supporting health, safety, and empowerment.

Benefits

Options offer these benefits to our full-time employees (full-time is any employee working 30 hours per week) company-paid health/vision and dental, long-term disability, and life insurance; for a full list of all benefits, please view our website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications as described. We are most interested in finding the best candidate and our hiring processes are centered on assessing candidates based on diverse experience. Please let us know if you have questions.

General Description:

Provides training in independent living skills and access to community resources for youth aged 14 and over who are referred through ODHS/Child Welfare. Delivers in-home and group skills training and referrals to assist youth in gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and adulthood. Works closely with the ODHS Child Welfare Case Workers, foster care providers, and the youth to assess skills, and develop and implement an effective treatment plan.

Ability to travel and transport clients is required
* Schedule/Hours:

This position is anticipated to be full-time (40 hours/week). However, some weeks may have fewer scheduled hours. The actual hours worked may vary daily depending on the needs of the referring agency or individual clients. Some overtime may be required and approved by your supervisor in response to client needs, referrals, or other factors. The schedule will be flexible to meet youths needs and be available some evenings and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least two years case management and life skills training experience working with high-risk youth in the last five years
• Including at least one year of experience working with youth experiencing substance use, out of home placement, sexual abuse, and/or family conflict.
  • Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Pass a criminal background check, which may include fingerprinting, and driving record.
• Respectful, open, unbiased, accepting attitude toward clients, their families, ODHS staff, and community partners.
• Valid drivers license, reliable transportation, and meet minimum auto insurance requirements*

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree in a behavioral science field.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

60% - Direct Service

• Interview youth, foster parents, and ODHS Case Workers to obtain skill and education level, employment information, and other pertinent information
• Assist youth to complete contract mandated life skills assessments and comprehensive transition plans
• Schedule and facilitate ongoing one-on-one meetings with the youth
• Counsel youth regarding foster care system, education, vocational training, job readiness, job search assistance programs, and health care access
• Instruct youth in basic life skills such as budgeting, personal care, health and safety, pregnancy prevention and parenting awareness, substance abuse prevention, healthy relationships, and access to community resources
• Coordinate and assist youth with accessing other independent living services including state housing subsidies
• Assist the youth in developing connections with natural supports such as foster parents, teachers, relatives, mentors, and other dedicated adults
• Facilitate, co-facilitate, or participate in regularly-held group youth sessions
• Work with foster parents to encourage them in teaching skills to the youth and supporting the youths goals
• Assist youth with registration and participation in youth-focused events
• Attend youth-focused events with the youth in a chaperone capacity, for the duration of the event
• Transport the youth as required

25% - Case Coordination

• Maintain availability to caseworkers for response to crises, during working hours
• Develop and maintain a knowledge of dynamics of high-risk families including substance abuse, sexual abuse and domestic violence
• Coordinate case activities with program supervisor, ODHS Child Welfare, Juvenile Department, schools, and other partners
• Work a flexible schedule to meet youths needs, which may include evenings and/or weekends
• Attend and actively participate in weekly group supervision meetings with supervisor and peers
• Maintain client confidentiality

15% - Documentation

• Monitor the youths progress in relation to the established services being provided
• Provide reporting to ODHS as required
• Complete required documentation…