WORK SCHEDULE: This position is full-time regular and non-exempt.  Work hours will vary and may require working some evenings and weekends.

POSITION SUMMARY:  Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Case Manager is responsible for intensive case management for young adults, ages 18-21, who are participants in YouthCare’s residential program. This position requires a high degree of flexibility in responding to emergent needs of youth in crisis as well as good organizational and documentation skills.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide a minimum of 20 hours weekly direct contact with participants, including face-to-face counseling, advocacy and transportation and assisting youth in meeting their basic needs and self-identified goals.
• Maintain a caseload of 10 participants.
• Act as a professional representative of YouthCare and maintain a professional working environment (office, personal workspace, agency vehicle, etc.)
• Maintain a flexible work schedule (filling shifts on weekends, early and/or late hours) and must be willing to be cross-trained in providing support with shift coverage in on-call basis for the program and the agency, as required by individual program needs. Serve as a resource and support to other program staff when Program Manager is unavailable.
• Provide on-site supervision of youth during scheduled shifts in the milieu, facilitating activities, preparing and serving meals and help oversee the safety and cleanliness of the facility, including the restrooms, laundry room, and the community room.  Perform light janitorial work, including vacuuming carpets; taking out trash; sweeping/mopping floors; and similar tasks.
• Work collaboratively with other YouthCare programs, families, and external partners from other agencies, etc.  This position requires that you assist and support in engaging youth in participating in developing and following individualized education, employment and life skill plans and activities.
• Conduct intake and exit meetings with youth. Complete accurate and timely related paperwork including intake and exit paperwork, progress notes and services. Submit client progress notes, services, and other required reports in a timely manner. Ensure all client-related data is both current and accurate in the YouthCare’s data management system; CaseWorthy.
• Develop and document Service Plans with participants that include linkages with family, other YouthCare programs or external providers as clinically appropriate. Work with client and internal / external staff to ensure follow-through. Schedule and attend interim reviews with participants and appropriate Staff.
• Link youth to opportunities that allow them to gain skills to become successful adults. Act as a mentor and advocate for youth through Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, strengths-based and harm reduction approaches.
• Maintain working knowledge of local housing programs including eligibility requirements and application process. Develop “next step” plans with each youth that focus on the housing options appropriate for them and for which they are eligible.
• Participate in bi-weekly supervision meetings and in weekly staff meetings.
• Attend a minimum of six in-service trainings annually.

This job description is not intended to cover every aspect of your job at YouthCare. We are a team that works together to meet the needs of our clients and every member of the team is expected to pitch in and help even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.

QUALIFICATIONS –  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:       

• 2 years of experience successfully working with at-risk-youth or young adults in a crisis, during outreach efforts or in residential setting.
• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience and credentials must comply with program contractual requirements, including but not limited to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) background clearance process and must be at least 21 years of age.  DCYF Clearance must be maintained for entirety of employment when working with under-18 clients.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Course work, experience, or training in child or human development, chemical dependency, mental illness, group dynamics, residential treatment, or related experience highly preferred.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

• Must be able to provide I-9 supporting documentation for employment.
• Ability to provide a negative TB Test (results must be within one-year of hire date).
• Employees who drive YouthCare vehicles as a requirement for their position, must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License, meet minimum safe driver criteria established by the agency and our insurance company which includes completion of Defensive Driving and 15-passenger Van trainings. Drivers under the age of 25 must have been licensed for at least 3-years and those operating vehicles with a capacity of 15 or more passengers must be at least 25 years old.
• Ability to obtain a current Food Handler’s Card
• Successful completion of pre-service training as required by the contracting agency. Trainings such as CPR & First Aid (Adult/Child), Bloodborne Pathogens, CSEC and Behavior Management.
• Computer software skills including Windows, Microsoft outlook, Microsoft Word.
• Initiative, creativity, reliability, flexibility, thoroughness.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with good quality spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• High integrity when dealing with a broad array of cultures and restricted and/or confidential information.
• Ability to coordinate overall program functioning.
• Ability to deal therapeutically with behavioral and emotional problems presented by young people and understanding of emotionally, physically, and sexually abused young people.
• Ability to maintain stable performance under pressure or conflict and handle stress in a manner that maintains teamwork and respect for others and to the agency.
• Coachability and willingness to engage in candid two-way feedback as a means of professional growth.
• Ability to accurately maintain and produce files, records, logs and reports.
• Ability to establish new partnerships and foster positive relationships with existing partners.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients while building trust and respect.
• Ability and willingness to stay awake and alert during overnight shifts.
• Ability to verbally and physically respond to an aggressive person in ways that de-escalate, establish and maintain staff and young peoples’ safety.
• May be required to assume responsibilities or duties within the agency not specifically delineated in this job description for short periods of time or on an infrequent basis.
• Commitment to YouthCare’s initiative to build cultural proficiency across the agency. Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices. Ability to maintain stable performance under pressure or conflict and handle stress in a manner that maintains teamwork and respect for others and to the agency.

PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Ability to perform range of physical motions, exerting up to 50 pounds. Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, and stooping; running for brief periods of time; and go up and down stairs.