Reporting to the Wraparound Supervisor, the Youth Advocate is responsible for providing one-on-one support and behavioral interventions to resolve issues identified in the Plan of Care. Assist client with learning and practicing communication skills, anger management, problem-solving, stress management, and additional pro-social behaviors; becoming involved in academic, social, recreational, and/or employment activities; and learning to cooperate and engage both peers and adults across all settings. Create fun and reinforcing environments to teach skills and model behavior, transport clients when clinically appropriate, and give updates to the wraparound team regarding the clients’ progress.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides provide one-on-one support and behavioral interventions to clients and/or their families using a team and community-based approach — plans and implements individual and group activities that encourage the child’s social and emotional growth.
- Participates in Child and Family Team Meetings in support of the client’s needs.
- Provides crisis intervention as needed (including evenings, nights, and weekends). Participate in the development of appropriate crisis plans.
- Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings, community meetings, and other meetings as assigned. Interface with DCFS, DMH, court systems, schools, and other community liaisons.
- Responsible for timely and accurate completion of client notes, charts, reports, and other documentation related to the treatment and progress of clients in the program per contractual standards. Documentation may include web-based, electronic, and/or paper documents.
- Maintains an appropriate caseload (10-12 clients) in order to reach the weekly expectation of client contact and billable hours in accordance with Phoenix House Policy and Procedures.
- Participates in case of supervision on a weekly basis; discusses current caseload, documentation, and productivity; and accepts/implements feedback and direction into direct services with clients. Maintains regular consultation with the Child and Family Team through weekly participation in Internal Team Meeting; and as needed.
- Maintain the dignity and personal rights as highlighted in our aforementioned regulatory agencies by deploying clear and skilled crisis communication, evasion techniques when program participants display hostile or volatile behaviors which may cause bodily harm to self.
- Develop positive workplace relationships in accordance with Phoenix House Policy and Procedures with staff and peers by offering appropriate support within a nurturing environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
- Transport program participants in personal vehicles to scheduled court appearances, doctors’ appointments, other off-site appointments, and events.
- Attends all required staff training sessions in accordance with Phoenix House and state licensing requirements and completes all training on time.
- Attends and participates in program and all staff meetings.
- Adheres to and promotes the Phoenix House Mission, Vision, and Values while acting as a role model for others.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIALS
- Bachelor’s degree in social work or psychology plus required.
- One (1) years' experience working with high-risk youth preferred.
- Must maintain a valid California Drivers' License, have proof of automobile insurance, and maintain a safe driving record based on Phoenix House policy.
- Must maintain a valid credential (if required for your position) during your employment.
- Must obtain TB test clearance and update on a yearly basis.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrated commitment and adherence to Phoenix House Mission, Vision, and Values: I CARE For– Integrity, Collaboration Appreciation, Respect, Excellence, and Forward-Thinking.
- Proficiency in MS Office systems.
- Ability to utilize an electronic healthcare record.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to make decisions independently and communicate effectively when dealing with clients, families, other staff members, department heads, visitors, external agencies, and community members.
- Ability to establish and consistently enforce appropriate boundaries with patients.
- Ability to model positive behavior and demeanor.
- Understanding of addiction, co-occurring models, and treatment modalities.
- Understanding of patient development and family systems.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to be flexible, problem solver, self-directed, customer service-oriented, and collaborative.
- Skills and ability to engage and develop a rapport with patients and families of various backgrounds.
- Working knowledge of the family patterns, child-rearing practices, special needs, traditions, and values of the ethnic and cultural groups served by the program.
- Ability to work days, evenings, and weekends.
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
Mental Demands
Ability to actively engage with clients in a substance abuse and mental health treatment environment. Stress tolerance; working in rural and/or urban environments, participating in client treatment outcomes. Memory and learning; ability to maintain in a constantly changing environment. Emotional intelligence; includes crisis intervention. Work environment: travel may be required (varies by location), in-office work.
Physical Demands
Ability to lift and move object as much as 25 pounds with or without assistance, can require extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, or being on your feet especially in the clinical and residential settings. May need to participate in outdoor or recreational activities with clients. Occasional repetitive tasks. Ability to conduct First Aid and CPR in the event of an emergency. Required to undergo regular health screenings such as but not limited to TB test, Covid testing, vaccinations, etc.