Trauma-Informed Youth Independence Coach

Wellpoint-Care-Network; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellpoint Care Network is seeking an Independent Living Specialist in Milwaukee, WI to support youth aged 17-21 in out-of-home care under CHIPS. You will provide trauma-informed coaching, independent living skills training, and advocacy to help youth achieve housing stability, education, and transition to adulthood.

The role emphasizes hands-on community engagement, collaboration with case managers, and diligent documentation in data systems, ensuring safety, independence, and successful service

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work/human services field required.
• At least 2 years’ experience in human services or related field, working with high-risk teens, and young adults
• Basic experience and/or knowledge of CHIPS court orders
• Must have flexible availability and respond to occasional after business hours calls or youth needs.
• Experience and knowledge of mental illness/treatment and trauma.
• Experience in networking and community outreach.
• Knowledge and skill in creative problem solving.
• Good judgment and strong personal boundaries and ethics.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of one organization.
• Proficient in the usage of computer software; demonstrate an understanding of computer file systems and computer software packages, e.g., Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, Teams, ADP, etc.
• Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines; Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Must be organized and able to manage their calendar to meet program protocols and policies.
• Physical exam, drug screen, motor vehicle report, and background checks are required for this position

Responsibilities

• Provide IL services to program participants, ages 17-21, who are in out of home care on a CHIPS order.
• Help participants obtain and sustain housing.
• Hands-on, face-to-face supervision and contact in accordance with contract requirements, in the community, at their home and/or at the office.
• Connect with leadership in weekly supervision, system partners and emergency resources to communicate safety concerns and develop a plan to support the youth.
• Facilitate the development of skills that demonstrate total independence, such as budgeting, finding employment, paying bills.
• Provide coaching, teaching and guiding participants with independent living skills based on the participants’ needs and skills.
• Provide advocacy for participants through modeling, teaching and coaching to strengthen their voice independently, seek support and resources and sustain their independence.
• Help participants navigate health systems and insurance. Help participants ensure they have access to mental health treatment as needed
• Help participants obtain their High School Education or equivalency and plan for future education or vocation, attend IEP meetings as needed or requested.
• During monthly meetings with the On-going Case Manager, assist participants in advocating for their needs, sharing their perspective and goals for their future.
• ILS will introduce participants to the Youth Transitioning to Adulthood program and guide the participants with the transition to YTA.
• ILS will help to create and provide opportunities for participants to learn and practice skills.
• Ensure participants understand and adhere to the SIL agreements to provide framework for program success
• Provide hands on support for participants moving into their apartment to include a walk through, cleaning, shopping, organizing home, etc.
• ILS are present in the community, and with participants in their homes
• ILS are present while guiding participants through need obtainment via community resources
• Participation in educational events (meetups, etc.) as required
• Ensure timely and professional documentation of all work in the required data collection systems.
• Utilizes CoBRIS and eWiSACWIS computer systems to document case activities.
• Timely communication and transition planning for the participants to Wellpoint Care YTA program
• Understands contractual expectations, Wellpoint Care SIL Staff Protocols and Procedures and adheres to them.
• Manages credit card activity, including timely submission of receipts and documentation.
• Engage in program team meetings to discuss participants trends and needs to focus individual and group learning opportunities.
• Ensure ongoing communication of high risk, safety concerns, instability, as well as ongoing positive reporting on time to child welfare case manager, landlords, etc.
• Help participant grow caring connections for ongoing support beyond system care.
• Participates in program, as well as overall Agency activities to support/develop integrity and growth of participants and program.
• Acts as a positive ambassador for the program as well as advocates for the needs of young adults aging out of care.
• All employees will be evaluated on their demonstration of a consistent commitment to the Agency’s Seven Essential Ingredients and engagement in the strategic initiatives of the organization.
• Participates in assigned meetings, events and learning as required.
• Other duties as assigned including serving in a coverage role for other department members.
• Full time.
• Moderate exposure to noise.
• Regular travel in personal vehicles is required with the ability to move intermittently throughout the workday.

Skills

Trauma-informed approach

Youth mentoring

Community outreach

Independent living skills

Boundaries and ethics

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work/human services field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Outlook

Teams

ADP

Job description

Wellpoint Care Network is seeking an Independent Living Specialist in Milwaukee, WI to support youth aged 17-21 in out-of-home care under CHIPS. You will provide trauma-informed coaching, independent living skills training, and advocacy to help youth achieve housing stability, education, and transition to adulthood.

The role emphasizes hands-on community engagement, collaboration with case managers, and diligent documentation in data systems, ensuring safety, independence, and successful service