Transition Coach

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls in Chicago is seeking a dedicated Transition Coach to empower youth in our residential programs. This full-time role involves building impactful relationships, guiding young adults towards their goals, and providing essential support.

Candidates should possess an Associate's degree and relevant experience in behavioral sciences. The position includes a 2nd shift schedule with a pay range of $24–$25/hour. Join us in making a meaningful difference!

Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age.
• Licensed driver with a clear driving record.
• Experience working with youth who have experienced trauma.

Responsibilities

• Build therapeutic relationships with young adults.
• Provide individualized support to youth.
• Monitor and assess youth’s progress.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Coaching skills

Ability to relate to youth

Crisis management

Education

Associate's degree in behavioral or social science fields

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Summary

Join our team today! At Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, we are dedicated to empowering youth, fostering hope, and creating brighter futures. Our mission is to serve as advocates, educators, coaches, and role models for the youth we serve. We believe that every young individual deserves a chance to thrive and reach their full potential.

How You’ll Make An Impact

Nothing brings greater life satisfaction than helping others. As a Transition Coach, you will act as an advocate, role model and guide for the young adults who live in our residential programs. You can change the trajectory of their lives!

In This Role, You Will

• Build a therapeutic relationship with young adults and their caregiving systems.
• Work with young adults to assist them in planning and achieving their goals across all relevant domains.
• Provide individualized services and supports to best meet the needs and goals of the youth.
• Coach the young adults, teach skills, and guide social problem solving.
• Work with the Program Managers to refer a youth for specialized services as necessary and consult with those professionals.
• Work with the team to provide youth with different levels of coaching (initial assessment and planning, active coaching, maintenance coaching, and follow‑up).
• Participate in supervision with the Program Manager.
• Engage in case reviews (i.e., review efficacy of treatment being provided and consistency with the Mercy Model).
• Participate in team meetings, which will include examination of youth treatment.
• Utilize effective interactional skills (solicit youth input throughout interactions; acknowledge youth input through active listening; remain nonjudgmental; use a pleasant and steady voice tone; express enthusiasm when appropriate; attune to youth and utilize good caregiver affect management; express empathy, concern, care and encouragement; offer assistance as needed; set limits and expectations when appropriate; provide praise).
• Be responsible for all quarterly Individual Treatment Plans and the implementation of these plans.
• Communicate promptly and accurately within the program/Agency and with external bodies (i.e., employers, schools, family, supports, legal personnel, housing programs, etc.).
• Provide transportation for youth as necessary.
• Accompany youth in the community to work on building their skills in all transitional domains.
• Implement structure of the program.
• Restrain youth as necessary.
• Maintain a structured, safe, and supportive environment.
• Support daily routines including wake‑up, appointments, meals, and programming.
• Ensure consistent expectations, boundaries, and accountability.
• Monitor and assess youth’s progress, adjusting plans as needed to ensure successful transition to program or independence.
• Offer ongoing support and mentorship to foster youth’s personal and professional development.
• Follow guidelines and procedures to ensure accurate and safe distribution and proper documentation of youth medications.
• Employ all aspects of de‑escalation and behavior management techniques as outlined in CPI protocol.
• Learn, align with, and execute the treatment philosophies, modalities and practices of the Agency.

What We Need From You

• At least 21 years of age.
• At least an Associate's degree in behavioral or social science fields.
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with youth who have experienced developmental adversity and/or trauma (at least two years’ experience preferred).
• A valid Illinois driver’s license, ability to drive a van, maintain a clear driving record, and retain driving approval through the Department of Children and Family Services.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to have a flexible work schedule and adjust the schedule to meet program and youth needs.
• Ability to work both independently and as an active member of an interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and competent to work with a diverse client population.
• Desire to work with and enjoy being around young adults.
• Has a sense of shared, appropriate humor.
• Possesses good relationship and coaching skills.
• Maintain a professional demeanor (respect for others, responsive to feedback, open to other points of view, willingness to learn new skills, does not personalize) while exercising judgment and discretion.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Read and interpret documents such as operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and professional journals.
• Write reports and correspondence.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, with ability to become proficient in other software packages and programs.
• Attend required Agency trainings and maintain necessary training compliance; flexible to attend daytime trainings or sessions outside regularly scheduled hours.
• Promote, support and role‑model the use of Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) theory and practice for all co‑workers in de‑escalating situations.
• Actively engage in learning and integrating developmentally appropriate, attachment‑informed, and trauma‑responsive theory and practice consistent with the Mercy Model of Care and ARC Framework.
• Commit to the mission, values, and goals of the Agency.

Basics Information / Schedule Details

Job is a full‑time position (40 hours per week). The schedule will be 2nd shift. Pay range is between $24–$25/hour. Locations: West Loop (boys) campus – 1140 W. Jackson Blvd Chicago, IL 60607.

Why You Will Love Working Here

At Mercy Home, we commit to providing the best care for the youth we serve and ensure our team receives top‑of‑the‑line training and professional development. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to Inclusion and Diversity.