Youth Treatment Specialist - Full time - Lawrence Hall : Job Details

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 Residential Treatment Specialist reports directly to the Treatment Team Coordinator. This position provides direct line of sight supervision and promotes safety to a maximum of 8 youth, between the ages of 8 to 18, in one of six residential units. This position provides milieu-based treatment services, including verbal and physical intervention skills and documentation. Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon four core values: Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. These values are deeply embedded within our organization's philosophy of trauma-informed care and directly influence every position. 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:

• 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 and prompt socially acceptable habits and behaviors (i.e. personal hygiene and grooming, table manners, etc)
• Co-facilitate psycho-educational and life skills groups
• Encourage positive relationship building with unit peers and agency team members
• Provide engaging activities for youth to participate in, encouraging relationship building and teambuilding
• Uphold requirements of a homelike environment (i.e. maintain proper stock of food, complete cleaning tasks on unit, assist with laundry as assigned, etc.)
• Transport youth in agency vehicle to school, community resources, and home visits as assigned
• Document services provided in a manner acceptable for Medicaid Part 132 billing
• Supervise youth self-administration of prescribed medications
• Demonstrate ability to move throughout the building based on agency needs
• 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
• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Use of abdominal and lower back muscles continuously over time to support others
• Ability to pass TCI (with restraints) certification and physically restrain youth when necessary
• Ability to stand from kneeling position without assistance

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma/GED required
• Knowledge of word processing and basic computer functions; intermediate to advanced level of computer skills preferred
• 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 Illinois Driver's license
• 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

Every employee must successfully pass Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training in all testing portions applicable to their position. Following completion of the full course, staff member must recertify every six months thereafter. Not only must you successfully complete the TCI training, but you must then put that training into practice in your everyday work.

Highlighted Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO): All employees start with an average of 17-25 days of PTO, plus 9 paid holidays.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Fitness/Wellness Reimbursement: Gym membership reimbursement of up to $20 per month to promote overall health and wellness.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a 100% match on contributions up to 3% after one year of service.
• Supplemental Insurance: Includes AD&D, critical illness, accident insurance, and short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Life Insurance: Full-time employees receive term life insurance coverage equal to twice their salary at no additional cost.
• Employee Referral Program: Earn up to $1,500 for referring successful candidates.
• Parking & Transit Commuter Benefits: Use pre-tax dollars to cover transit costs.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Non-Exempt.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V