In-Home Specialist

OPTIMIST BOYS HOME & RANCH•Palmdale, CA

2d•$23 - $31

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 Required
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

Support Agency staff will observe the Resource Parents’(RP) home for any items that can be a danger to the child’s wellbeing
Once Support Agency staff receives confirmation from Placement Assistant Staff (PAS) that client is in route, Support Agency staff will advise RP of estimated time of arrival
Support Agency staff will email RP the client’s contact information, and any supporting documents that are needed
RP or Support Agency staff will have transportation fill out the transition form upon arrival to the RP’s home
Support Agency staff will meet client at the RP’s house to engage and welcome client. Staff will complete intake, safety plan, Medication Administration Record (if applicable), take photo, complete inventory and search client confiscating any contraband items
Support Agency staff will provide hygiene products and emergency clothing as needed
Support Agency staff will explain the incentive program, review expectation and support to the client.
Support Agency staff will review medication and paperwork with RP if applicable
Support Agency staff will call RP’s for a check in at 7:30am, 12:30pm and 10:00pm
Support Agency staff will engage with client in the RP’s home 3 to 5 times a week, and more if needed. Staff will contact RP to arrange visit prior to arrival
Support Agency staff will engage with client by bringing various activities to the homes or go on outings (if applicable)
Support Agency staff will participate in CFT’s
Support Agency staff will assist clients with their homework assignments if needed
Support Agency staff will 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).
Support Agency staff will assess emotional/behavior status and provide any needed interventions to address anxieties/feelings regarding change in placement/separation from family and friends.
Support Agency staff will 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)
Support Agency staff will ensure medication authorization is current and prescriptions are filled.
Support Agency staff will address any other related issues or concerns
Support Agency staff will 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 Support Agency staff transports client to the nearest hospital
Support Agency staff will complete and submit all Serious Incident Reports such as Away from Care incidents, medical, and physical altercations etc.. and 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”
Support Agency staff will assist RP’s with any mandated reporting
In the event of removals/relocations Support Agency staff will transport clients to new temporary shelter home assignment
Support Agency staff will provide Respite to the RP’s
Support Agency staff will collaborate with shelter home caregivers regarding setting up and facilitating Get 2 Know calls while offering ongoing support to the RP’s and client
Support Agency staff will have on going collaboration with RP’s regarding clients shelter care needs appointments, follow ups etc…
Support Agency staff are to 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.