Independent Living Coordinator

Description

General Job Summary: This is a professional position responsible for the implementation, management and oversight of the Independent Living System and services provided to teens in Methodist Children’s Homes’ care. This involves coordination and development of resources, technical assistance to providers directly working with youth, and development of relationships within the community to support our teens and young adults. Must be organized, have strong interpersonal skills and able to work autonomously. It is imperative that the Independent Living Coordinator understands and upholds the Core Values, Mission, and Vision of MCH. The Independent Living Coordinator reports to the Director of Program Operations. 

Major Job Responsibilities: 

• Establish and maintain positive, trauma-informed working relationship with MCH internal and external clients
• Planning and leading monthly independent living meetings for foster youth, as well as residential youth who are entering the ILP
•  Oversees MCH Therapeutic Apartment Placement program, including assisting admissions with intake and exit processes.
•  Ensure the development of community resources for teens and young adults such as life skills, mentors, vocational training, and housing within the community, and serve as a liaison to post-secondary educational institutions, transitional and scattered site housing entities
•  Monitor and follow up with clients’ progress. regularly update client service records and case notes; maintain agency record keeping systems, prepare periodic statistical reports. Collect required demographic information from internal and external clients
• Administers independent living assessment to youth upon admission and discharge, and tracks progress.
• Participates in monthly Child and Family Team meetings to develop and assist with implementation of independent living goals for youth’s individual service plan.
•  Develop leadership skills for youth, identify issues that impede independence for youth in the community, organize youth to take corrective action, develop mentoring, volunteer and self-advocacy skills to create social change; promote youth participation in leadership skill training through group, community and statewide venues.
•  Assist youth in creating and implementing Transition Plans (when appropriate); help youth identify and access resources to live on their own as they transition into adulthood; promote and support youth’s choice re: transitioning into institutions of higher learning, the local workforce or other options of their choice
•  Facilitate Youth Advisory Committee and Independent Living Community Advisory Committee
•  Prepares monthly ILP summaries to be included in youth’s chart.
• Plan and assist in organizing events that are youth-led and youth-driven, such as summits, community forums, training and leadership events.
•  Provides regular updates to immediate supervisor and adhere to MCH policy and procedure regarding crisis response. 
•  Travel locally to assist with improving/increasing community networks and resources.
•  Establishes and maintains positive and effective relationships with all program consumers, including but not limited to, youth, parents, family, school personnel, neighbors, referral agencies, volunteers, campus visitors, administrators, etc. 
•  Attends and takes advantage of regularly scheduled in-services or training.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Knowledge & Experience

•  Must be twenty-one (21) years of age.
•  Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university. 
•  Must be, at minimum, a Provisionally Certified Community Support specialist within 90 days of hire. Candidates with a Master’s Degree in a mental health related field must be, at minimum, a Provisionally Certified Mental Health Therapist within 90 days of hire.
•  Must possess the ability to learn and adapt to program needs and changes, and to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment.
•  Must demonstrate the ability to maintain and manage confidential information.
• Must possess the ability to effectively conduct crisis intervention.
•  Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, effective problem solving skills, and strong organizational skills.
•  Demonstrate the ability to work as a leader and as part of a team.

Skills/Working Conditions:

•  Must maintain valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
•  Must be insurable by MCH insurance carrier.
•  Must be able to work flexible schedule and shifts including 24-hour on-call, overnights, weekends, holidays and extended periods.
•  Must be certified in and/or trained in First Aid, CPR, Universal Precautions, and medication administration documentation.
• Must be able to work in a fast paced, high pressure, high stress environment.

Physical Requirements:

•  Must provide a negative drug screen result prior to employment.
•  Must pass a pre-employment physical and TB test and on-going physical assessments as required.
•  Able to perform in a variety of environments ranging from highly stressful to casual and leisurely.
•  Have the ability to participate in recreational activities with clients, including, but not limited to arts and athletics, cleaning, shopping, cooking, and outdoor activities.
•  Have the ability to demonstrate organizational, management, and leadership skills.
• Have the ability to generate multiple solutions to meet the changing needs of clients, staff, and communities.
•  Must be able to lift objects weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
•  The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
•  Regular attendance at primary worksite and agency related events.