Family Advocates – Melrose Location (Full Time, Part Time, and Per Diem Shifts)

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The advocates are an integral part of the client’s treatment/support team who insure that services are coordinated and delivered to resident families in a comprehensive manner. All staff must be well versed in understanding, creating and maintaining a trauma-informed culture and be amenable to function as an active support in the daily care of the clients and their environment. Employees will be required to understand and work with behavioral and emotional deficits. Employees must provide a safe and structured environment while understanding how and when to intervene and TEACH new, healthier coping responses to stress and anxiety.

Seventy five percent of the YPLP position includes documentation of meetings, goals, assessments, plans, intakes and any other necessary information. Each YPLP employee will directly manage a case load of not more than four resident families.  The YPLP employee will also be responsible, either as part of the team or while alone on shift, for the safety of all residents and the facility, with requirements of reporting concerns to the necessary parties. Due to the population being served in this program, we are looking to hire females only for this role.

JOB FUNCTIONS*

• Demonstrated understanding and ability to respond to crisis situations using the model of Trauma Informed Care, Behavior Management and/or Collaborative Proactive Solutions. 
• Completing all required documentation including but not limited to: intake assessment, Bio Psycho Social, Ebed, weekly meetings, goals, progress notes, treatment plans, referrals and any concerns being addressed.
• Implement individualized treatment plans based on specific needs or goals of each client utilizing community and other available resources.
• Document all shift related reports, communication logs (filemaker), globe with details of shift related incidents or occurrences. Ensure passing on shift and client related information to the next shift.
• Responsible for the safety and security of the teens, children and the facility at all times, by providing structured activities & curriculum based groups.
• Provide transportation for residents on as needed basis including, but not limited to: picking up of new resident, food shopping, doctors, local social service offices, between program sites, and any other time it is deemed necessary.  
• Communicate any concerns regarding a resident or child to the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, Shift Lead or On-Call. Document any concerns in the communication log and complete all necessary paperwork.
• Ability to work with youth or youth and families in a manner that reinforces Healthy Relationship sand Positive Interactions in a changing setting which may include transitional care and aftercare outreach.
• Follow through with all Centerboard & Youth Services policies and regulations. Ensure families meet requirements of house rules, expectations and policies.  
• Utilize On-Call system as designed for updates or guidance.
• Ability to balance effective engagement with teen moms and their children in their home environment while maintaining timeliness completion of paperwork.
• Administer medications in compliance with medication administration policies and expectations. Document according to policy  in the Medication Log
• Answer the phones and door as necessary, always following confidentiality guidelines as set by HIPPA. Direct any messages to the appropriate extension. 
• Clean the facility and common areas, stock supplies, maintain awareness of physical facility concerns and unit furnishings.        Report all concerns and issues including maintenance. 
• Oversee each resident family’s participation in shared chore responsibility, assist and train where needed.
• Maintain consistent and appropriate communication with collaterals, acting at all times as a representative of Centerboard and as an advocate for all residents and families.
• Ability to follow and implement safe sleep guidelines in accordance with EEC Licensure Policy.
• Assist in the training and Orientation of new staff as directed.
• Room Searches – Have 2 staff conduct random room searches in all resident bedrooms on a weekly basis. 
• Any contraband found should be given to the Program Director for appropriate disposal. 
• Staff will document the room search in the Room Search Binder and start an IR on that resident/s and notify the PD.   
• Fire Drills – Staff are expected to conduct fire drills according to the pre-established schedule. Staff must make sure all residents are accounted for, complete documentation, and follow the program fire drill procedure.
• Drug Tests – Staff will conduct random weekly drug tests.
• Meal Planning and food shopping- (in adolescent programs) This will occur every week by the morning staff.
• Community Time Binder- Staff should check that residents are completing the paperwork when they go out into the community. 
• Trainings -  Keep a log of training hours and participate in trainings through Track Trainings, in person/on the phone/online. 
• Transportation for youth under 18 years old – Staff must transport and stay with a youth for the following appointments: Hospital/ER visits, collateral meetings, court, school meetings, doctor and dentist appointments.
• Field Trips – Programs will schedule field trips and staff are expected to attend and supervise the youth during the outing. 
• Perform other related tasks as assigned. 

Overnight specific shift requirements:

• Responsible for hourly rounds/bed checks on all residents throughout the night, insuring safe sleeping and program safety.
• Ensure hourly rounds and client status is documented.
• Clean/stock the facility and common areas.
• Provide morning transportation to youth as needed.
• Remaining awake during the entire shift is required. The appearance of sleeping is not permitted ( i.e. lying down, eyes closed)

QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma required and previous experience working with youth or others in a residential setting. A bachelor’s degree or some college is Preferred. This position requires strong communication and organization skills. Required to pass initial competency evaluation as well as continued assessments of professional development and future trainings. Employees must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and be willing to use their personal vehicle when Centerboard’s vehicles are not available to meet client transportation demands of care or outreach. Individuals are required to connect with youth with healthy relationships and positive interactions. Qualified candidates must possess strong communication and organization skills and be a willing participant in Centerboard multicultural awareness, diversity, equity and inclusion trainings, meetings and philosophy.