In-Home Specialist

Optimist Boys Home & Ranch; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 25,571 - 36,420; Full time

Job summary

Optimist Boys Home & Ranch seeks an In-Home Specialist to provide support to Foster Youth in the Therapeutic Shelter Home program. This full-time role is based in Palmdale, California, and pays $22.50 hourly.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, be bilingual in English and Spanish, and possess strong organizational skills. Responsibilities include supporting Resource Parents, engaging with clients, and ensuring safety and wellness. Flexibility and the ability to manage time effectively are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.
• Must have valid California driver’s license and insurance.

Responsibilities

• Support Agency staff will observe the Resource Parents’ home for safety.
• Engage with clients 3 to 5 times a week.
• Complete intake, safety plan, and oversee medication administration.
• Transport clients to medical facilities in emergencies.

Job description

Job Details
Job Location: Palmdale Office - Palmdale, CA 93551
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $22.50 - $22.50 Hourly

Overall Function

The In-Home Specialist provides support to Foster Youth placed in the Therapeutic Shelter Home program located in SPA 1 & SPA 2.

Responsibilities

• Support Agency staff will observe the Resource Parents’ (RP) home for any items that can be a danger to the child’s wellbeing
• Once Support Agency staff receives confirmation from Placement Assistant Staff (PAS) that client is in route, Support Agency staff will advise RP of estimated time of arrival
• Support Agency staff will email RP the client’s contact information, and any supporting documents that are needed
• RP or Support Agency staff will have transportation fill out the transition form upon arrival to the RP’s home
• Support Agency staff will meet client at the RP’s house to engage and welcome client. Staff will complete intake, safety plan, Medication Administration Record (if applicable), take photo, complete inventory and search client confiscating any contraband items
• Support Agency staff will provide hygiene products and emergency clothing as needed
• Support Agency staff will explain the incentive program, review expectations and support to the client
• Support Agency staff will review medication and paperwork with RP if applicable
• Support Agency staff will call RP’s for a check in at 7:30am, 12:30pm and 10:00pm
• Support Agency staff will engage with client in the RP’s home 3 to 5 times a week, and more if needed. Staff will contact RP to arrange visit prior to arrival
• Support Agency staff will engage with client by bringing various activities to the homes or go on outings (if applicable)
• Support Agency staff will participate in CFT’s
• Support Agency staff will assist clients with their homework assignments if needed
• Support Agency staff will be available by phone to respond to after‑hours emergent/urgent/crisis situation including responding to psychiatric emergencies and coordination for Psychiatric Mobil Response Team (PMRT)
• Support Agency staff will assess emotional/behavior status and provide any needed interventions to address anxieties/feelings regarding change in placement/separation from family and friends
• Support Agency staff will provide the TSH Resource Parents with hands on support at their home with the client anytime of the day and night (Resource Parents have access to Support Agency staff 24 hours 7 days a week)
• Support Agency staff will ensure medication authorization is current and prescriptions are filled
• Support Agency staff will address any other related issues or concerns
• Support Agency staff will provide Resource Parent, and client/youth, contact information sheet including social worker, and provider phone numbers for 24/7 response
• In the event of an emergency Support Agency staff transports client to the nearest hospital
• Support Agency staff will complete and submit all Serious Incident Reports such as Away from Care incidents, medical, and physical altercations etc.. and be responsible for following up on any serious incident reports, and notifying the appropriate parties such as Licensing, DCFS, assigned Social worker, and on‑site team
• Support Agency staff will assist RP’s with any mandated reporting
• In the event of removals/relocations Support Agency staff will transport clients to new temporary shelter home assignment
• Support Agency staff will provide Respite to the RP’s
• Support Agency staff will collaborate with shelter home caregivers regarding setting up and facilitating Get 2 Know calls while offering ongoing support to the RP’s and client
• Support Agency staff will have ongoing collaboration with RP’s regarding clients shelter care needs appointments, follow ups etc…
• Support Agency staff are to utilize personal vehicle to visits RP’s homes, staff will be eligible to receive mileage reimbursements for the use of their vehicle at the approved IRS rate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred
• Training and experience in Evidence‑based Practices (EBP’s) preferred
• Computer literacy
• Knowledge and/or competence in LA County DCFS Therapeutic Shelter Home policies and/or procedures preferred
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required
• Ability to manage time effectively and be flexible with hours and duties
• Must be able to pass criminal/fingerprinting background check, TB Test, Physical Exam and Drug Testing
• Must have the visual, physical and technical ability to independently operate a variety of office equipment, including the use of a computer; requires bending, stooping, filing, lifting of at least 50 lbs. or more
• Valid California driver’s license; current automobile insurance; clear DMV record for at least 5 years
• Must be able to pass a fingerprint background investigation, TB test, Physical Exam, and Drug Screening

Employment Standards

All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and adolescents who are serviced by OYHFS programs. Each employee must at all times be emotionally stable and able to function effectively with children, adolescents and adults who may have mental or behavioral problems. The staff must demonstrate appropriate daily behavior, expression of emotions, and avoid hostility, aggression, and any unnecessary or inappropriate physical or emotional actions.