Independent Living Specialist

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. At SCH, we appreciate that having employees of many different backgrounds strengthens our organization, and we strive to create a workforce that reflects the diverse and culturally rich communities that we serve.

OVERVIEW:  In coordination with the treatment team, the Independent Living Specialist (ILS) is responsible for providing vocational and living skills training to identified youth. The ILS works with a team approach with the residents’ interdisciplinary team providing strength-based interventions with the youth and coordinates referrals with the Cottage Facilitators, After-School Specialist and AmeriCorps members.

DUTIES:

(70%) Vocational, Living Skills, Education Assessment and Development

• Develops workability programs for identified SCH youth.
• 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.
• Provides a width breadth of services that may include topics such as budgeting, banking, cleaning, personal hygiene, employment searches, clothing and grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, transportation, medical, dental, interpersonal/communication skills, time management and the use of community services.
• Assists residents in applying for college, vocational training, and financial support.
• Assesses pre-employment work readiness and employs tools to implement vocational readiness.
• Assists clients with the job application process by teaching clients how to develop resources to find appropriate employment; correct completion of job applications; resume writing; and procurement of suitable identification.
• Teaches and coaches clients how to prepare for interviews, stage mock interviews, provide helpful feedback, and if necessary, accompany client to job interview.  Supportively debriefs with the client after the interview.
• Monitors 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 verbalpraise 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.
• Refers youth to and supports them 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.

LOCATION:   2750 Sutterville Rd., Sacramento, CA 95820

SCHEDULE:   Monday – Friday (Weekends as needed), 10:00am-6:30pm (Schedule flexibility required)

SALARY:         $24.77 – $27.86 per hour, to start

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill to instruct, direct, counsel, and encourage individuals and groups of children.
• Ability to maintain discipline and group control in a theraputic manner.
• Skill to plan and organize multiple tasks at one time establishing priorities.
• Ability to make independent decisions in a logical, responsible, timely and compassionate manner.
• Knowledge of workability programs, vocational rehabilitation theories, tools and practices.
• Knowledge of child/adolescent development, and/or child psychology to identify and encourage age appropriate behavior, as well as understanding the residents’ behaviors and reactions.
• Ability to relate with children in a nurturing and respectful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries with children.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and internet.
• Ability to work cooperatively with a culturally diverse resident population and workforce.
• Ability to work with businesses, community and outside agencies in a collaborative and cooperative manner.

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.

TO APPLY: Qualified employees must submit a completed Request for Promotion or Transfer form along with their resume to Human Resources. External candidates must complete our on-line employment application available at www.kidshome.org/careers.

PLEASE NOTE: Non-SCH employees who are made an offer of employment will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment background process that includes passing a drug test, including marijuana. Applicants who do not pass any part of this pre-employment process will have their offer of employment rescinded.