Independent Living Program Specialist

Options Counseling and Family Services•Albany, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides training in independent living skills and access to community resources for youth aged 14 and over who are referred through ODHS/Child Welfare. The specialist 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. The role involves working closely with ODHS Child Welfare Case Workers, foster care providers, and the youth to assess skills, and develop and implement an effective treatment plan. Options Counseling and Family Services, founded in 1991, provides quality mental health and family preservation services to diverse communities across fourteen counties in western Oregon, committed to supporting health, safety, and empowerment.

Requirements

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
Meet minimum auto insurance requirements (minimum of $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 personal auto liability coverage)
Ability to travel and transport clients

Nice To Haves

Bachelors Degree in a behavioral science field

Responsibilities

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
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
Monitor the youths progress in relation to the established services being provided
Provide reporting to ODHS as required
Complete required documentation within established ODHS deadlines
Document all travel time, mileage, and other required work-related activities