In-Home Specialist

Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Flexible hours

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services is seeking an In-Home Specialist to support foster youth in the Therapeutic Shelter Home program in Palmdale, California. Responsibilities include engaging with clients, providing emergency resources, and coordinating with Resource Parents to ensure a safe and supportive environment. The ideal candidate will have experience with foster care systems and demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills. A personal vehicle is required for site visits, with mileage reimbursement available.

Qualifications

• Experience working with foster youth or in a related field is advantageous.
• Ability to handle crisis situations calmly and effectively.
• Knowledge of child welfare policies and practices is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support staff will meet clients at their home to welcome and engage them.
• Provide hygiene products and emergency clothing as needed.
• Coordinate visits with Resource Parents and ensure proper documentation.
• Engage clients in activities or outings as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Organizational skills

Ability to work with children

Job description

Overall Function

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

Essential Job Duties

• 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 expectation 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