PATH Specialist

OCO•Fulton, NY

About The Position

Provides coverage at the PATH Program (Program to Assist the Teenage Homeless). Carries out duties in accordance with Agency and Program Policies and procedures and Federal/State policies/licensing regulations. Work with youth to achieve their goals. Organize group and recreation activities. Primary Location: Provides services at the OCO Crisis & Development Offices and program sites, as assigned. Consumers: Works with young people experiencing chronic homelessness; Is responsible for the daily case files of up to 5 consumers; Responds to consumers who are contacting in person and on the phone to provide information about services and the status of their services; Supervises daily living skills, provides supportive counseling, skills education, solution focused decision making and information about other systems through which they can obtain assistance; Assists the PATH Manager in assessing the needs of consumers and their families; Advocates, accompanies and supports consumers in accomplishing plans and in communicating with other community services; Assists with screenings, trainings, monitoring, and ongoing support to volunteers and community partners; Other: Works cooperatively and fosters effective relationships with volunteers, schools, community members, agencies and other service providers. Assists in recruiting volunteers and provides publicity and marketing for project; Assists the PATH Manager in the completion of quality assurance tasks. Maintains expertise in youth development, family development, and dynamics of homelessness, transition to independence and adulthood, and coaching skills for self sufficiency. JOB SUMMARY : Provides direct services to people of all ages, according to OCO Universal Service Delivery methods in OCO program sites, during home visits and in public places. Provides early intervention and care management services to assigned populations. Carries out duties in accordance with Agency and Program policies and procedures.

Requirements

Have a desire to work with individuals and families and has a thorough understanding of the family development process and the OCO Service Delivery system.
Must be self-motivated, resourceful, organized and adaptable in carrying out job duties
Must be familiar with the geographical layout of the county and have knowledge of human service resources in the county
Must have good oral and written communication skills and have excellent documentation skills.
Must possess basic skills for word processing and data entry.
Must have demonstrated ability to work with others in a warm, non-judgmental manner and be a positive role model.
Must be able to engage others, set priorities, and problem solve.
Must exhibit professionalism, good judgment and maintain strict confidentiality with regard to client information.
Must exhibit knowledge of regulations, services, rights and responsibilities for the population served.
Must have the ability to work with populations with special needs, including those that may exhibit aggressive behaviors.
Must be flexible with work schedule in order to meet the needs of the program; must participate in 24 hour on-call emergency services on a rotating basis.
Must have acceptable health to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
Must have a valid NYS Driver’s license with driving record within policy and access to a properly insured, reliable vehicle for regular travel and transporting consumers.
Must have an Associates Degree or equivalent in a Human Services area; and
Must have 1 to 3 years experience with children, youth, families or a special population; or
Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

Responsibilities

Provides services at OCO program sites with occasional home visits and service provision in public places, as assigned.
Provides crisis intervention, supportive counseling, advocacy and solution focused decision making for children, youth and families.
Informs consumers of available services, provides referral to services and assists the consumer in connecting the services.
Develops and maintains assessments and individualized service plans for children, youth and families.
Provides the teaching and coaching of life skills; facilitates education and support groups as assigned.
Provides or arranges transportation to enable consumers to connect with needed community resources.
Attends internal and external meetings and training sessions as assigned.
Provides on-call crisis intervention on a rotating basis as scheduled.
Communicates pertinent information to co-workers, supervisors and community partners, as instructed.
Completes all documentation as required including electronic records.
Performs specific tasks assigned according to addendums to this job description.