In-Home Specialist

OPTIMIST BOYS HOME & RANCH•Palmdale, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The In-Home Specialist provides support to Foster Youth placed in the Therapeutic Shelter Home program located in SPA 1 & SPA 2.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Computer literacy.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.
Ability to manage time effectively and be flexible with hours and duties.
Must be able to pass criminal/fingerprinting background check, TB Test, Physical Exam and Drug Testing.
Must have the visual, physical and technical ability to independently operate a variety of office equipment including the use of a computer.
Will also require bending, stooping, filing, lifting of at least 50 lbs. or more.
Valid California driver’s license; current automobile insurance; and a clear DMV record for at least 5 years.
Must be able to be pass a fingerprint background investigation.
Must be able to pass a TB test, Physical Exam, and Drug Screening.
All employees, regardless of position service as role models for children and adolescents who are serviced by OYHFS programs. Therefore, each employee must at all times be emotionally stable and able to function effectively with children, adolescents and adults who may have mental or behavioral problems.
The staff must be able to demonstrate appropriate daily behavior, appropriate expression of emotions, as well as appropriate role modeling.
Hostility, aggression and unnecessary or inappropriate physical actions as well as inappropriate emotional expression are not acceptable.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.
Training and experience in Evidence-based Practices (EBP’s) preferred.
Knowledge and/or competence in LA County DCFS Therapeutic Shelter Home policies and/or procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

Observe the Resource Parents’(RP) home for any items that can be a danger to the child’s wellbeing.
Advise RP of estimated time of arrival once confirmation from Placement Assistant Staff (PAS) that client is in route.
Email RP the client’s contact information, and any supporting documents that are needed.
Ensure transportation fills out the transition form upon arrival to the RP’s home.
Meet client at the RP’s house to engage and welcome client.
Complete intake, safety plan, Medication Administration Record (if applicable), take photo, complete inventory and search client confiscating any contraband items.
Provide hygiene products and emergency clothing as needed.
Explain the incentive program, review expectation and support to the client.
Review medication and paperwork with RP if applicable.
Call RP’s for a check in at 7:30am, 12:30pm and 10:00pm.
Engage with client in the RP’s home 3 to 5 times a week, and more if needed.
Contact RP to arrange visit prior to arrival.
Engage with client by bringing various activities to the homes or go on outings (if applicable).
Participate in CFT’s.
Assist clients with their homework assignments if needed.
Be available by phone to respond to after-hours emergent/urgent/crisis situation including responding to psychiatric emergencies and coordination for Psychiatric Mobil Response Team (PMRT).
Assess emotional/behavior status and provide any needed interventions to address anxieties/feelings regarding change in placement/separation from family and friends.
Provide the TSH Resource Parents with hands on support at their home with the client anytime of the day and night (Resource Parents have access to Support Agency staff 24 hours 7 days a week).
Ensure medication authorization is current and prescriptions are filled.
Address any other related issues or concerns.
Provide Resource Parent, and client/youth, contact information sheet including social worker, and provider phone numbers for 24/7 response.
In the event of an emergency, transport client to the nearest hospital.
Complete and submit all Serious Incident Reports such as Away from Care incidents, medical, and physical altercations etc..
Be responsible for following up on any serious incident reports, and notifying the appropriate parties such as “Licensing, DCFS, assigned Social worker, and on-site team”.
Assist RP’s with any mandated reporting.
In the event of removals/relocations, transport clients to new temporary shelter home assignment.
Provide Respite to the RP’s.
Collaborate with shelter home caregivers regarding setting up and facilitating Get 2 Know calls while offering ongoing support to the RP’s and client.
Have ongoing collaboration with RP’s regarding clients shelter care needs appointments, follow ups etc…
Utilize personal vehicle to visits RP’s homes, staff will be eligible to receive mileage reimbursements for the use of their vehicle at the approved IRS rate.