Aftercare Specialist

WHO WE ARE:

Annually serving over 1,400 youth and families, Lawrence Hall is a community-based organization committed to helping Chicago's youth, families, and communities heal from the adverse effects of childhood trauma. For more than 150 years, Lawrence Hall has been delivering high-quality care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and is a statewide leader in highly effective, evidence-based, and innovative therapeutic treatment. Their core programs-Child and Family Treatment Center, Therapeutic Day School, Creative Therapies, Foster Care, Transitional/Independent Living Program, Workforce Development, and Community Wellness-have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community based, but also by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicago's communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Aftercare Specialist reports directly to the Treatment Team Coordinator. This position serves as the primary program lead for the aftercare support and services. Requires knowledge of trauma exposure and knowledge of the 5 S's of trauma: Safety, Self-Regulation/Soothing, Supportive, Strengths, Self-Care and an understanding of and recognition of the signs of traumatic stress as a result of agency training. Must be able to effectively use both verbal and physical intervention skills with individuals six (6) through twenty-one (21) years of age. Physical Intervention Skills require the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. This position requires the flexibility to adjust hours in order to provide coverage on the unit in the absence of other employees as needed. Weekend and holiday hours included.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Educates the discharge resource on the youth's aftercare plan
• Track placement stability for the youth and effectiveness of transitional plans and support
• Coordinates aftercare staffings with the youth, their discharge resource, and treatment team
• Assists the family with coordination of community of community-based services for the youth
• Engage caregivers, parents, family members and others by sharing strengths and challenges experienced by program participants
• Serves as primary program lead for aftercare support and services
• Complete weekly in-home visits to aftercare youth and their families
• Communicate effectively with agency team members through reviewing unit logs and email and in-person
• Regularly attend and participate in unit team meetings
• Review and follow agency's Personnel Policies and Procedures
• Provide constant supervision of youth behaviors and interactions at all times according to agency Procedures and State licensing standards
• Handle disruptive behaviors in a calm, professional manner utilizing skills learned in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training
• Implement interventions outlined in the youths' individual treatment plans
• Prior knowledge of trauma-informed care and/or willingness to learn about and engage in trauma-informed practice
• Serve as an effective role model using trustworthy, supportive, and child focused techniques
• Use active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
• Requires knowledge of typical child and adolescent development and an understanding of trauma exposure and traumatic stress signs and symptoms; understand that behaviors, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
• Use strategies that support healing and recovery and that resist re-traumatization
• Encourage positive relationship building with unit peers and agency team members
• Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment
• Work effectively with program participants, family members, colleagues, and external stakeholders in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve-month period
• Maintain required agency certifications in TCI, First Aid, and CPR and utilize all as necessary
• Maintains electronic calendar to provide accounting for daily activities and provides permissions for viewing to the appropriate individuals
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in the Human Services field
• Previous experience in a child welfare, hospital, or residential setting preferred
• Knowledge of word processing and basic computer functions; intermediate to advanced level of computer skills required
• Previous knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strengths-based approach preferred
• Valid Driver's license-must be able to transport youth as needed in personal vehicle and provide proof of insurance
• No history of child abuse or neglect
• Ability to pass background and drug screen
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to resident behavior problems that may include physical acting out and requires safe physical management skills
• Exposure to residents with complex mental health issues and/or disorders
• Exposure to youth with various states of cleanliness and hygiene

Highlighted benefits

• Provides full time employees 2 times their salary in term life insurance for no additional cost
• Reimburses your gym memberships up to $20 per month to aid on your overall fitness and health
• Offers 100% match up to 3% on your retirement savings after 1 year of service
• All employees start off with an average of 17-25 days of PTO
• Employee Referral Program gives employees an opportunity to receive up to $1500 for referring candidates
• 9 paid holidays off

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not meet all listed qualifications. We look forward to your application. 

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V