Transitional Living Case Manager- Young Adults Foster Care

Position Purpose/Summary:

The Independence Coach (Transitional LivingFoster Care) has primary responsibility for coordination of services for young people, ages 15-21.  The Independence Coach works intensely with the youth and host family by providing ongoing support and will help to build a plan of independence with the youth they are serving in the program. If applicable within program, also serves as a supervisor and consultant to licensed therapeutic host families who carry out the therapeutic interventions for the youth in care.

The Independence Coach serves under the guidance of the Regional Manager. They are responsible for providing at least weekly case management and independent living skills education to everyone placed in a host home, provide weekly support/supervision to host families to ensure youth are meeting goals, and provide 24/7 crisis intervention to ensure safety.

Essential Functions (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

1. Facilitate the recruitment and network of regional resources to assist participants with independence.
2. Plan and supervise the placements for youth and host families. Facilitate the setting of placement goals and desired outcomes established by the placement team.
3. Write behavioral treatment plans according to level of care, monitor progress and plan transitions for discharges.
4. Conduct and/or facilitate assessments for independent living skills and utilize the findings to develop goals and strategies supporting independence for youth
5. Provide at least weekly case management and independent living skills education to everyone placed in the home.
6. Provide at least weekly support and supervision to host families to ensure youth are meeting goals.
7. Provide 24/7 crisis intervention.
8. Facilitate customized employment strategies with youth when appropriate and establish relationships with employers to offer possible employment opportunities for youth.
9. Assist with recruitment, assessment, training, and licensing of host homes according to the established agency policy, accreditation standards and state licensing rules.
10. Maintain up-to-date documentation in the youth’s record and host family’s record according to state and federal standards and program guidelines.
11. Complete all documentation in a timely manner as required to facilitate billing.
12. Complete required audit reviews with governing agencies, complete annual evaluations on host families.
13. Assist in marketing LSC programs with potential referral sources. Must have the knowledge and ability to respond independently and promptly to marketing and community relations needs.
14. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).

1. Ambulatory in all locations, ability to navigate steps.
2. Ability to bend, stoop, and reach overhead.
3. Minimum lift and carry requirement of 25 pounds.
4. Exposure to extreme behaviors.

COVID vaccines are required within 7 days of hire or a religious/medical exemption must be filed upon receiving offer. 

Qualifications (Minimum Job Requirements) Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Education:

1. Bachelor's degree in a human srvice-related field and two years of experience with population served or;
2. Bachelor’s degree in a non-related field and 5 years of experience with population served or;
3. Master’s degree in a human service-related field and one year of experience in child welfare.

Experience: See above.

Specific skills/abilities:  Proven ability to work in a self-directed manner that will ensure that all work obligations are met according to the requirements of this position.  Strong skills in group and team facilitation, completing assessments and writing behavioral treatment plans.  Time management and organizational skills required.  Must be flexible and be able to work irregular hours.  Knowledge of Microsoft office products, Word, Excel, etc.   Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.

Specialized knowledge, licenses, etc:  Must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation. Must have knowledge of family systems, childhood developmental and attachment theory, psychopathology, behavior management, psychotropic medications. If applicable, prior work experience with teaching independent living skills.  Demonstrate cross cultural sensitivity.  Knowledge of state, community, and agency resources for Foster Care programs.

Preferences (Optional):

• Prior work experience involving teaching youth independent living skills.