Responsible for working as part of the treatment team to:

• Assist in the implementation of individual treatment plans for children/youth focusing on vital areas such as therapeutic interaction, crisis intervention, education, and activities.
• Provide supervision, counseling, and direct care for children/youth living in the group home setting, serving as a surrogate parent, to teach values, life skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Ensuring safety and security of children/youth while also maintaining a therapeutic environment.
• Effectively partnering with families so that they feel empowered as a vital member of a team.
• Collaborating with co-located DCFS staff to complete intake process and orientations for children being admitted to Transitional Shelter Care Program.   (applicable to TSC program only)

1. Provides direct service to children by:
   • Direct supervision and assistance, by following the structure of the clients' daily routine; i.e., meal and snack preparation, sleep, recreation, health, hygiene, safety, and discipline. 
   • Assists children in the acquisition of independent living skills, such as management of money, care of clothing, successful completion of skills enhancement in doing cottage chores, jobs and keeping appointments.
   • Cares for children when ill, being aware and attentive to individual health needs (including reporting on side effects)
   • Applies appropriate first aid.
   • Assists in medical and psychiatric appointments as directed.
   • Assists in maintenance of the home, furnishings, equipment, and grounds, including periodic cleaning, refurbishing, minor repair and monthly maintenance inventory; purchases household supplies.
   • Dispenses and records all prescribed medications; notes and reports on side effects in the absence of Health Services or Unit Program Coordinator; will adhere to medication storage protocols if medication dispensing or intakes occur outside of Health Services hours. (applicable to STRTP and Transitional Shelter Care only)
   • Under the direct supervision of the Intake and Transitional Shelter Care Program Supervisor and in collaboration with DCFS co-located staff, staff will conduct intakes and orientations to newly admitted children on a 24 hour 7 day a week basis. (applicable to Transitional Shelter Care only)
2. Coordinates with clients treatment team, service plans and utilizes treatment techniques and interventions to assist clients, families and significant others in achieving goals.
3. Manages the behavior of residents through the use of approved behavioral management techniques/interventions; ensures compliances with agency policies.
4. Plans and participates in special occasion celebrations: admissions, birthdays, holidays, discharge, recreational activities, and community activities.
5. Plans, implements, lead, teach and facilitate the constructive use of leisure time through therapeutic activities.
6. Fosters positive group experience through the development and application of principles and practices of group dynamics
7. Develops and maintains professional skills by participating in supervision and staff development/in-service training.
8. Participates in staff meetings, conferences, consultations, supervision and evaluation as scheduled.
9. Effectively communicates with other staff including providing written and verbal observations of children; maintains accurate records and reports on a daily basis.
10. Prepares, maintains and submits all documentation and reports promptly, maintains confidentiality in all matters of Agency personnel, operations, and clients.
11. Maintains confidentiality regarding children, families, and the operations of the Agency.
12. Supports Agency philosophies, policies, and practices.
13. Exercises good judgment in the performance of duties and responsibilities.
14. Maintains a professional relationship with clients at all times.

• High School Diploma with 2 years’ experience working with Severely Emotional Disturbed (SED) clients or in mental health field. BA plus 2 years’ experience working with SED clients or in mental health field, preferred.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Ability to plan, organize and maintain family-type living environment; parenting capacities for nurturing and guidance of children; cooperate with other members of the treatment team; ability to form helping relationships with children through empathy, understanding, acceptance, a non-judgmental attitude, and appropriate limit-setting to promote security; understanding group process and ability to initiate appropriate change, ability to participate with children in carrying out residential responsibilities, ability to teach, advocate, support and facilitate development of independent living skills in adolescents.
• Thoughtful decision making and resourceful problem-solving ability, self-starter, self-aware, willingness to work productively with other adults, potential to benefit from training and supervision, ability to learn and be open to adopting agency's philosophy, methods, and procedures.
• Effective communication skills both oral and written
• Computer skills are sufficient to meet demands of the job including Microsoft office and Electronic Reporting System software for program notes. Skills in maintaining detailed, accurate, and complete records.
• Ability to be flexible and work in a changing environment, work varied hours including evenings, nights, and weekends, and effectively as part of a team.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures of the agency
• Ability to pass and utilize the Pro Act physical restraint system
• Must have a valid California Driver License, proof of automobile insurance and meet the Agency’s safe driver guidelines.
• Ability to maintain First Aid/CPR Certification
• Ability to work varied hours including evenings, nights and weekends, if needed.
• Sensitivity to the different cultures represented among the clients, families and staff.
• A basic understanding of age appropriate behavior for children/adolescents.

Compensation Range: $17.25/hr - $23.46/hr

Work culture matters at 5A! We offer a comprehensive benefits package with a medical coverage option as low as $5 with free dental HMO, vision, life insurance, AD&D and disability insurance. We offer a 401k with an annual match up to 3%, annual performance reviews with up to 4% merit (6% for direct service providers), plus annual retention stipends. We offer team building retreats, wellness incentive, 12 paid holidays and flexible work schedules, including remote options for identified positions!