Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Youth Rehabilitation Specialist – Part Time

PROGRAM/LOCATION: YTP / San Luis Obispo

“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” - Dalai Lama

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Treatment Program (YTP) is a restorative, trauma-informed, residential treatment program for up to six SLO County Foster Youth. Youth Rehabilitation Specialists (YRS) provide 24/7, awake support in a home-like setting located in San Luis Obispo. The program is centered on the principle that youth heal, and behavior changes, in the context of adults who are safe, regulated, predictable, empathic and attuned. YTP meets the residents where they are at and operates through the lens that all behavior is an attempt to meet a need, while our job is to support them in having the capacity, safety and trust to learn and practice healthier and safer strategies to meet those needs. This trauma-informed approach concentrates on “connection before correction,” and strives to build a sense of alliance, rather than compliance with each youth – where youth are able to trust the care of adults and trust adults’ limits as care.

YRS’s responsibilities are to be present to engage, support and supervise the residents as well as carry out the program structure and schedule throughout each day. YRSs ensure that the program is a safe and healthy living environment by providing: empathic listening, active engagement in activities, supporting completion of activities of daily living, containing and de-escalating crisis, mediating conflict, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, assisting residents in learning how to trust adult care, building healthy relationships and assisting residents in utilizing community resources in order to return to a home-based setting.

YRS’s enjoy opportunities to facilitate growth, increase safety and provide our residents with fun and normalcy through outings and activities such as: games, art, watching current teen TV hits, hikes, swimming, walking along the beach, shopping, bowling, ice cream, movies and more. We are looking for professionals who have a passion for building and contributing to a supportive and safe environment for residents and the team as a whole.

HOURS/ SALARY:

Part-Time, Non-Exempt Position 8–24 Hours Per Week. The following shifts are currently available: Tuesday: 3:00 p.m. –11:00 p.m. Tuesday: 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (When school is not in session, this shift will ideally transition to 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) and Saturday: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. We are seeking an individual who can consistently work all three shifts each week. However, we are also open to considering candidates who can consistently work one or two of the available shifts each week. Anticipated hiring wage $25.50 per hour. (Full salary schedule $25.50-$33.99 per hour).

EMPLOYEE PERKS:

A few of our helpful employee benefits include membership discounts to various local fitness centers. We offer years of service gift cards to businesses of your choice. We offer gift cards for walking, biking, or carpooling to work as well as 20% discount for shopping at our Growing Grounds Downtown Store/Nursey/ Farm. We host two employee appreciation events for employees and their families yearly. We practice Trauma Informed Care Principles, Guidelines for Collaborative Conversations, and encourage the use of pronouns. We mindfully promote equality, respect and diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all the fascinating characteristics that make us different! TMHA is also a pet friendly workplace (upon approval)!

MISSION STATEMENT:

Transitions Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family support services.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Transitions – Mental Health Association is a non-profit agency committed to providing comprehensive mental health services and support to individuals and families by inspiring hope, growth, recovery and wellness in our communities. TMHA has decades of experience with teams of compassionate staff. TMHA is a driving force in improving mental health and wellness in our communities and a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and individual contributions.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Ensure safety, health, and general well-being for residents.
2. Supervise and interact with residents and staff during program activities; this may include outings, daily chores, education of residents and transportation to and from scheduled appointments.
3. Promote, encourage and maintain trauma-informed practices in all services and activities. Practice and promote, both individually and in team meetings, TMHA’s Collaborative Communication Guidelines in order to facilitate clear, empathetic and person-centered communication.
4. Offer crisis intervention such as guidance, counseling, and role modeling. Follow program policies regarding crisis intervention.
5. Prepare program paperwork including, program documents, incident reports, petty cash receipt, daily task log and daily log notes on each resident.
6. Promote general cooperation and harmony in the group living situation.
7. Organize and transport residents to and from appointments and outings; this may include refueling of vehicle.
8. Monitor resident medications and be responsible for all accompanying paperwork and procedures. Attend medical appointments as needed and be responsible for all accompanying paperwork and procedures.
9. Complete required in-service training.
10. Assume other duties as assigned by program manager and director.

JOB ENVIRONMENT:

1. Moderate physical activity; may include moving up to 50 pounds.
2. Involves moderate risks that require safety precautions and the risk of exposure to potentially intense situations.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

1. Per California Care Licensing, must meet at minimum one of the requirements as listed below:

a. Have a Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree.

b. Have a valid Child Development Teaching Permit.

c. Completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth.

d. A valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth.

e. A valid vocational training certificate, credential, or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth as a mentor, athletic coach, teacher, vocational coach or tutor.

f. Previously been employed as a full time staff or served as a volunteer at a group home, STRTP, or substance abuse treatment program for at least one year.

g. Relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice systems as a consumer, mentor or caregiver or other relevant experience.

1. This position requires in person work for face to face contact with residents for every shift.
2. Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and strong oral, written, and communication skills.
3. Well defined organizational and time management skills.
4. Ability to work independently and flexibly.
5. Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision-making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure.
6. Able to work effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level.
7. Ability to work well within a team and maintain a professional, respectful attitude in the workplace.
8. Ability to work with supervisor oversight and direction.
9. Ability to mindfully promote equality, respect, and diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different.
10. Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services.
11. Knowledge of the various dimensions of diversity including mental health, gender, race and ethnicity.
12. Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health.
13. Attendance is an essential function of this job that requires face-to-face interaction with clients and/or other employees.
14. Must use reasonable precaution in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices while acting in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients, and other persons contacted through TMHA business.
15. Conditions of employment include:

o Must be at least 18 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver’s License, at least 2 years driving experience, and DMV driving record that meets TMHA’s current vehicle insurance requirements. May be required to utilize personal reliable vehicle and auto insurance.

o Must comply with a TB assessment (possibly a TB test if needed to confirm a negative tuberculosis result) and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting.

o Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

Physical Demands:

1. Seeing
2. Hearing
3. Speaking
4. Stooping/Bending
5. Moving around office
6. Moving between offices/clients
7. Driving
8. Climbing upstairs
9. Lifting/carrying heavy items
10. Computer use
11. Pushing/pulling/dragging items
12. Standing for long periods
13. Working outside
14. Using hands/fingers