In-Home Outreach Counselor - Wayfinder Family Services : Job Details

Wayfinder Family Services ensures that children, youth, and adults facing challenges always have a place to turn.

Wayfinder is committed to advancing IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility).

Wayfinder believes inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are essential to our excellence and our mission's execution. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and differently-abled persons are encouraged to apply.

In exchange for your talent, Wayfinder offers an excellent benefits package, which includes the following:

• This role is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Competitive salary - Sign-on bonus for eligible roles
• Flexible schedules depending on the position (some offering hybrid)
• Medical insurance with a $30 premium per paycheck coverage plan (employee-only)
• Dental insurance 100% employer paid for HMO coverage plan (employee-only)
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match up to 4%
• 11 paid holidays per year and a generous paid time off policy
• Five paid winter holidays (between Christmas Eve & New Year's Day)
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Robust training opportunities: Shared Core Practice Model, Trauma-Informed Care, Evidence-based Practices
• Clinical Supervision for licensure

Compensation:

• In accordance with California law, the expected salary range for this position is posted with this position. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Role Summary:

Under the supervision of the Family Preservation Program Coordinator, The In-Home Outreach Counselor (IHOC) for the Family Preservation Program provides intensive, in-home support to at-risk families in Los Angeles County. The primary goal of the position is to prevent child abuse and neglect by addressing issues that place children at risk of out-of-home placement. The IHOC works closely with families to develop individualized service plans, deliver counseling and crisis intervention, and connect them with community resources. This role is crucial in promoting family stability and ensuring the well-being of children within their homes. IHOC ensures that service delivery is trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and tailored to the needs of each child while maintaining all program requirements.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborates to integrate the values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) into all aspects of the organization.
• Promotes the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process by identifying quality indicators and opportunities for departmental and organizational process improvement.
• Reports any incidents/accidents according to incident reporting procedures and protocols, within designated timelines as outlined in the reporting procedures. Ensures staff is knowledgeable of and adhere to the reporting procedures and protocols.
• Conducts Comprehensive Assessments: Perform initial and ongoing assessments of families' needs, strengths, and risks. Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with families.
• Provides Direct Support and Services: Deliver in-home counseling and crisis intervention. Facilitate parenting education and skill-building activities. Support families in accessing housing, food, healthcare, and employment resources.
• Case Management: Coordinate and monitor the delivery of services as outlined in the service plan. Maintain regular contact with families to assess progress and modify service plans. Work collaboratively with other service providers, including therapists, social workers, and educators.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintains accurate and timely records of all interactions with families. Prepare progress reports and case summaries for internal use and for submission to DCFS and other stakeholders.
• Training and Development: Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities. Stay informed about best practices in family preservation and child welfare.
• Maintains confidentiality of all pertinent client information.
• Demonstrate knowledge of quarterly and annual program audits.
• Facilitates internal and external communication with vendors, agencies/organizations, and community partners.
• Manages and maintains other records in accordance to set policies and procedures.
• Ensures sensitivity to the service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Performs other duties as may become necessary or as directed.

Qualifications

Education/Certifications:

• A master's degree is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with at-risk families or in a similar role.
• Experience in home-based services and case management preferred.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently, with a broad range of delegated responsibilities.
• Good grammar, diction, and ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of two (2) years good driving history and must be approved by the agency's insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles. Or ability to facilitate travel for and with clients to and from potential job sites and lesson destinations used for training, using available transportation resources which may include public transportation, rideshare, etc.