CHILD FAMILY SPECIALIST

About Optimist

We invite you to join the Optimist team and help make a difference in the lives of children​ and families, in particular those ​involved in the child welfare system. You ​would be part of a dynamic and mission-driven organization with a ​proven track record of providing life-changing services to at-risk youth and their families.

Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services was founded in 1906, and today we ​continue to help at-risk youth ​through a full continuum of care by supporting children across settings and over time. Our broad range of programs includes residential ​care, mental health counseling, homelessness prevention, and education and career ​pathways. Our services are deeply rooted in equity and leveling the playing field so high-risk youth have the best chance to succeed and ​achieve bright futures.

​Importantly, our values of quality, integrity, respect, advocacy, and diversity ​guide all of our work. Learn more about our mission ​and accomplishments on our website at www.oyhfs.org.

*TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION PLEASE REMEMBER TO APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE @ www.oyhfs.org.*

In accordance with CA law, the expected pay range for this CA position is posted with this position. The actual compensation may be determined based on bona fide factors such as education, experience, and other factors permitted by law.

Salary range for this position: $ 22.50 - 31.15 / hour

Hiring Range for this position: $ 22.50 - $ 22.50 / hour

We offer a competitive benefits package:

• Stipends: Bilingual, Licensed, or STRTP
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Care Plan
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays (11)
• Paid Vacation Time
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (up to 5%)
• Educational Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Bonus Program

OVERALL FUNCTION:

As part of the Wraparound Team, the Child Family Specialist provides case management, In-home Based Services (IHBS), individual rehabilitation services, and crisis response to youth enrolled in the Wraparound Program. They work in a strength-based manner to promote Wraparound principles and philosophy and the Shared Core Practice Model.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Maintain an average caseload of 6-12 referred families.
• Provided one-on-one interactions with the youth.
• Meet child a minimum of once a week or as determined by the Child and Family Teams (CFT).
• Understanding of the wraparound process and phases; utilize strengths-based approach.
• Interventions should reflect the wraparound phase.
• Attend at least one CFT a month per child.
• Interventions should encourage and promote family independence and self -sufficiency. Examples include:
• Assist youth in completing interventions and/or activities.
• Behavioral modification, independent living skills, positive communication and socialization, accessing community activities and resources.
• Assist youth in learning the skills necessary to get along with adults and peers across all settings (i.e. biological family, foster home, school, community).
• Orienting the youth toward socially acceptable activities in the community. Practicing appropriate behavior rather than talking about behavior.
• Identifying and reinforcing behaviors, activities, and skills the youth is doing well.
• Create fun and reinforcing environments to teach skills (reduce deficits).
• Assist youth in becoming involved in academic, social, and recreational
• Provide transportation to the youth for academic, social, recreational, and/or employment activities.
• Maintain a cooperative and effective working relationship with the Facilitators, Therapists, and Parent Partners (fostering a Team concept).
• Communicate with the Facilitators, Therapists, and Parent Partners.
• Resource development and distribution.
• Maintaining required paperwork and documentation.
• Be available for Crisis Intervention Response.
• Follow on-call policy while fulfilling periodic rotation as On-Call Family Specialist.
• When not On-Call, work cell phone must be operational at all times. Outgoing message must state the contact information of the employees supervisor in case the employee is unable to accept the call and respond to the emergency. If the employee is able to accept the call when not on duty, the employee will be paid the legally required rate for all time worked.
• Attends all staff meetings.
• Reports all special incidents per required timelines and protocols.
• Follows directions and assignments by supervisor as needed.
• Participates in QI activities and promotes such.
• Supports and promotes a trauma-informed culture throughout the organization.
• Works to promote and support diversity, inclusion, and equity at all levels in the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA Degree or AA Degree plus 1 year of relevant experience working with youth, or high school diploma/GED plus 3 years of experience working with youth.
• Availability to respond to after-hours crisis calls required.
• Bilingual in Spanish both written and verbal.
• Previous experience and training in Wraparound principles strongly preferred.
• Valid California driver's license; current automobile insurance; have and maintain a clean driving record acceptable to the organization's insurance company.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle in order to transport youth and families enrolled in the program.
• Must be able to be pass a fingerprint background investigation.
• Must be able to pass a TB test, Physical Exam, and Drug Screening.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

*TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION PLEASE REMEMBER TO APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE @ www.oyhfs.org.*

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $22.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Application Question(s):

• Are you 21 years of age or older?
• If extended a job offer, are you willing to submit to a detailed background check and drug screen?
• This is just a reminder that in order to COMPLETE your application, please apply on our website at www.oyhfs.org

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $31