Independent Living Plus (ILP) Coach

Bethany Christian Services USA • Grand Rapids, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact. Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As an Independent Living Plus (ILP) Coach, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.

Requirements

• Associates degree in Human Services, Social Work, or equivalent field of study from an accredited college required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrate excellent clinical, therapeutic and crisis intervention skills
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality
• Must have an ability to work flexible work hours to include some evenings and weekends
• Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and ability to build relationships with individuals from all the youths’ various networks
• Knowledge of state, community and agency resources
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Prior experience working with a diverse population, preferred
• Bilingual in English and Spanish and/or other languages, preferred

Responsibilities

• Facilitate group meetings based on ILP curriculum and state stipulations.
• Serve as a positive role-model to youth and cultivate an environment that promotes high selfesteem.
• Provide post-secondary educational opportunities and information, to include applying for college or vocational school, applying for financial aid, and other support as needed.
• Manage day-to-day conflicts as they arise and effectively resolve conflicts, while ensuring the mental and physical safety of clients.
• Effectively utilize crisis prevention, intervention and de-escalation techniques according to identified procedures and individual client and site protocols.
• Provide on-site employment support services to youth.
• Provide daily living skills training with subject matter that includes but is not limited to: budgeting, banking, public transportation, credit maintenance, social and socio-sexual skills, community involvement, etiquette and manners, interpersonal relationships, networking, job searching, goal setting in a weekly meeting with each youth for at least four (4) hours.
• Cultivate an environment with an awareness of clients’ rights and responsibilities for the program and for the U.S. laws and norms.
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases, and to review case plan and direction.
• Perform essential work duties outside of normal business hours, some evenings or weekends.
• Assist and coordinate drivers training in the language required for the client.
• Coordinate translators for Life Skills and New Arrival Group classes.
• Provide valuable input to the formulation and development of individual treatment plans and reviews.
• Conduct initial, quarterly, and post assessments on independent living skills for each youth.
• Maintain accurate records of the youths' attendance and participation while reporting the details to the assigned case worker.
• Facilitate life skills activities to improve skills necessary for living independently, such as conflict resolutions, anger management, medication management, and tutoring.
• Effectively maintain communication with collateral resources as indicated by client needs.
• Maintain a good reputation with neighbors and property management.
• Collect log sheets that document their dates of contact, activities completed, and evaluations of each youth on assigned caseload on a monthly basis.
• Attend internal and external trainings, and apply newly gained knowledge on the job.
• Ensure youth’s case records follow state licensing and DHS standards.
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department.
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Low-cost health benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Matching 403B retirement contributions
• Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
• Education reimbursement for master’s degree program in human services
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employee covered long-term disability and term life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree