FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

WHO WE ARE :

Annually serving over 1,400 youth and families, Lawrence Hall is a community-based organization committed to helping Chicago's youth, families, and communities heal from the adverse effects of childhood trauma. For more than 150 years, Lawrence Hall has been delivering high-quality care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and is a statewide leader in highly effective, evidence-based, and innovative therapeutic treatment. Their core programs-Child and Family Treatment Center, Therapeutic Day School, Creative Therapies, Foster Care, Transitional / Independent Living Program, Workforce Development, and Community Wellness-have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community based, but also by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicago's communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Reports to the designated supervisor. Works as part of a treatment team to assist in providing direct service to youth ages 0-21. Tasks may vary according to youth needs, from providing concrete services to modeling behaviors and a variety of clerical duties requiring basic knowledge of computer systems and office procedures. Requires frequent transportation of youth in agency and / or personal vehicle and interaction with children, foster parents, and families of origin. Frequent lifting and carrying of small children up to 50 lbs, putting them in car seats, etc. Requires utilizing good judgment in relating appropriately to youth and always seeking the protection of children. Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon four core values : Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. These values are deeply embedded within our organization's philosophy of trauma-informed care and directly influence every position. Must be able to effectively use both verbal and physical intervention skills with individuals six (6) through twenty-one (21) years of age. Physical intervention skills require the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. Utilizes effective verbal and written communication and computer skills. Maintains flexibility to adjust work schedule (shift) according to the needs of the program when necessary including some weekends and holidays.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Work with foster care team to provide services to youth and families
• Transportation of youth to family visits, school, home, medicals, therapy etc.
• Supervision and documentation of parent / child visits and sibling visits
• Assist children and youth with activities of daily living and personal care; may include assisting with toileting and / or changing soiled diapers and clothing following universal precautions
• Act as role model to children and youth through assigned mentoring activities
• Act as respite provider for assigned foster families, in home or in community
• Provide milieu shift coverage and / or stabilization services as assigned
• Requires knowledge of typical child and adolescent development and an understanding of trauma exposure and traumatic stress signs and symptoms.
• Practice will include using strategies that support healing, recovery, and that resist re-traumatization
• Engage caregivers, parents, family members and others by sharing strengths and challenges experienced by program participants
• Accompany caseworkers on home visits when necessary
• Maintains and submits required documentation according to Agency / DCFS policies and procedures
• Assist with the periodic and proper maintenance of agency vehicles
• Assist with interoffice communication needs
• Assist with filing, mail preparation, pickup and distribution and other office procedures
• Provides reception coverage as needed
• Participate in agency meetings and training
• Participate in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities as assigned
• Uses active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
• Understand that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
• Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment
• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve month period
• Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS :

Highlighted Benefits

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Non-Exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer M / F / D / V

Salary : $20