Life Coach/ Mentor

JOB SUMMARY: The CHANCE program provides clinical services, targeted case management, peer mentorship, and Specialized Therapeutic Foster Care (STFC) placement to youth within the foster care system who are victims of or at risk for commercial sexual exploitation or human trafficking. The services provided through this program serve youth placed in CHANCE STFC foster homes and other youth regardless of placement setting through a Community Response Team consisting of the Clinical Manager, a Therapist, a Life Coach (peer support specialist), and a Targeted Case Manager maintaining continuity care as youth move through the foster care system.

The CHANCE program Life Coach is responsible for providing mentoring, support, and advocacy for youth in foster care who are victims of or at risk for commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking. The Life Coach provides support and insight through lived experience as a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides mentoring, support, and advocacy for youth receiving services in the CHANCE program in the community (e.g. at home or school).

3. Serves as a mentor, role model, and advocate for the child.

4. Engages with youth and families in a caring and respectful manner.

5. Works in partnership with the other CHANCE team members such as therapist and targeted case manager to link youth to needed services.

6. Respects the cultural and linguistic needs and preferences of the youth and his/her family.

7. Assists youth with identifying and building natural supports as well as self-advocacy and self-efficacy skills.

8. Helps the child identify strengths and recognize successes to promote self-esteem and empowerment.

9. Attends and participates in all treatment plan reviews, peer reviews, psychiatric consultations, internal/external utilization meetings, and client review meetings.

10. Is available to the client by phone outside of regularly scheduled sessions days, nights, and weekends.

11. Completes weekly progress notes to reflect client contact.

12. Speaks effectively before family, youth and other professionals.

13. Attends scheduled psychiatric appointments, court hearings, and other appointments with clients as needed.

15. Perform other duties as assigned.

***THESE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF ALL DUTIES PERFORMED. EMPLOYEES WILL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM OTHER JOB RELATED MARGINAL DUTIES AS REQUIRED***

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

1. High School Diploma/GED and at least six months relevant experience.
2. Basic computer skills.
3. Ability to read, write and speak English , bi-lingual preferred.
4. Lived experience as a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation/human trafficking.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license with no record of criminal driving offense of license suspension in the past 5 years.
• Must possess means of providing job related transportation and show proof of required insurance. Must be insurable under CHN’s current auto insurance policy.
• Must successfully complete and maintain FDLE clearance, Federal background and state criminal background check and sexual predator screening.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification (classes available on-site, if necessary).

COMPETENCIES & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Annual Training Requirements: The following training topics are required annually: Sexual Harassment, Blood-borne Pathogens, Workplace Accident Prevention and Reporting, Confidentiality and Privacy Practices, Diversity/Cultural Competency, Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Statutes, Trauma Informed Care, Professional Parenting and Methods, Prevention of Violence in the Workplace, OSHA-related training, Crisis Prevention, and Program Goals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Department of Children and Families rules and regulations regarding the care of children and the specific regulations around foster care and placement.
• High level of expertise in clinical interventions treatment methods, strategies and techniques.
• Knowledge of child abuse or neglect reporting procedures and methods.
• Ability to work as a multi-disciplinary team member in a positive productive manner.
• Knowledge of community based services and interventions that serve the needs of foster children including but not limited to behavior and mental health services that address developmental, trauma, medical and other special needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Possess effective interpersonal skills.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Visual: ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, read printed materials, and make observations of physical facilities.
• Hearing: ability to understand and comprehend spoken dialogue in individual and group settings.
• Frequent use of hands.
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively.
• Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
• Ability to use a personal computer and related office equipment.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for typing.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Good hearing (with or without hearing device).
• Able to lift at least 20 lbs.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works within an office environment.
• High level of emotional discussions requiring self-awareness regarding loss/abuse issues and understanding of professional boundaries.
• High interaction with children.

• Possible exposure to verbal abuse and physical behavior.