STRTP Direct Care Staff

Position Summary:

South Coast Community Services takes pride in providing our staff with competitive compensation, opportunities for professional growth, access to diverse client populations, clinical autonomy, and a strong support system of seasoned employees. Direct care staff are responsible for the supervision and general care of the STRTP residents. Direct Care staff are part of the multidisciplinary team and expected to use a trauma-informed approach to assist clients in achieving their treatment goals. Direct Care Staff must consistently monitor the physical environment to ensure safety, cleanliness, and order. Duties will also include tasks such as cleaning, preparing food, and engaging in recreational activities with the clients.

Program Description:

The Orange County Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) is located in Fountain Valley and serves children ages 10-17 years old and non-minor-dependents. Clients have involvement with The Department of Children and Family Services and/or Regional Center. Clients experience a wide range of mental health issues, behavioral concerns, and emotional disturbances. The treatment team will provide comprehensive services to the clients and families with the goal of clients reuniting with their families or transitioning to a foster home within 6 months of admission.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Education/Experience – must meet one of the following:

1. Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree
2. Valid Child Development Teaching Permit
3. Completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth.
4. A valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth.
5. A valid vocational training certificate, credential, or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth as a mentor, athletic coach, teacher, vocational coach, tutor, counselor, or other relevant experience.
6. Previous employment as a full time staff or served as a volunteer at a group home, STRTP, or substance abuse treatment program for at least one year.
7. Relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice systems as a consumer, mentor, caregiver or other relevant experience.

Must be at least 21 years of age

Licensure, Registration, Certification

1. Valid CA driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
2. Completion of CPR/First Aid and Pro-ACT certification upon being hired.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain consistent and thorough supervision of residents. Assist residents with meeting treatment goals, including completion of phase evaluation and advancement.
• Utilize Relational Approach interventions to model appropriate behavior, set effective and consistent limits, and successfully redirect negative behaviors.
• Record interactions with clients in accordance with Community Care Licensing, County, and SCCS guidelines.
• Responsible for completing clothing/personal property inventories and contraband checks.
• Able to identify increased aggression, suicidal behavior, danger of elopement, etc. Must be able to take necessary safety precautions and follow appropriate reporting procedures.
• Assist with hands-on restraints to prevent serious injury to residents and staff.
• Work in coordination with a multidisciplinary team and participate in all required meetings.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Microsoft Outlook.
• Demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform de-escalation and crises management skills.
• Ability to remain organized and work in a high-pressure environment.
• Able to establish and maintain appropriate rapport with children, youth, and families.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Familiarity with the child-welfare system.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to drive a motor vehicle without restrictions, often in heavy traffic and frequently long distances (one hour or more) to ensure safe transport to client settings and to safely transport clients to appointments as needed.
• Senses of vision, hearing and smell sufficient to regularly operate a motor vehicle, to visualize threats in the environment or risks to clients, and to operate safely in the field.
• Required to occasionally lift and carry 10-20 pounds.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, climb stairs (1 or more flights) and walk while in route to and during family visits.
• Regularly required to sit and use computer in office settings.