ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reports directly to the Youth and Milieu Stabilization Supervisor. Support youth in the Therapeutic Days School (TDS) and Child and Family Treatment Center (CFTC). Support a therapeutic milieu/classroom to encourage healing and hope for youth. Coach peers in utilizing Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques with the goal of avoiding physical restraint, time out of placement or police contact. Proactively enhance the elements of a therapeutic milieu to avoid youth reaching the crisis stage and return youth safely to baseline. Implement trauma-informed and restorative practices to support youth in learning new ways to cope with stress. Work collaboratively with school and residential staff to proactively provide coverage, support successful transitions from school, and prevent potential crisis situations. May be required to be certified Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Trainer. Effectively implements verbal de-escalation and physical intervention. The use of intervention skills requires frequent kneeling and return to standing position without assistance. Utilizes effective verbal and written communication as well as computer skills. Maintains flexibility to adjust work schedule including some weekend hours according to the needs of the program.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Sets a positive example for employees, is a role model. Supports and trains employees on appropriate strategies using the 5 S's and therapeutic de-escalation skills
• Promotes professional growth in peers, fostering strengths and redirecting efforts as necessary.
• Maintain fidelity of trauma focused interventions and treatment modalities
• Uses active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
• Understand that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
• Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment
• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve-month period
• Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
• Maintains electronic calendar to provide accounting for daily activities and provides permissions for viewing to the appropriate individuals
• Responds immediately to calls from milieu and school staff regarding residents in crisis.
• Supports the functions of the TDS and CFTC.
• Works collaboratively with TDS and CFTC staff to create a therapeutic milieu and classroom.
• Models effective use of TCI skills and coaches peers in using effective TCI skills and avoiding engagement in conflict cycles.
• Participates in regular consultation meetings with TCI Trainers.
• Provides timely and accurate documentation of services
• Assist in implementation of youth's Individual Education Plan (IEP) and treatment goals.
• Attend school or milieu treatment team meetings to discuss youth's treatment goals and services.
• Participates in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities as assigned.
• Support a therapeutic and restorative milieu/classroom
• Observe direct service staff on the unit interacting with clients, documenting areas of strength and areas for improvement.
• Coaches, trains, and facilitates restorative justice practices and TCI concept
• Review UIR , Physical Restraint and Critical Incident reports and conduct documented debriefing sessions and action planning for areas of improvement.
• Provide ratio coverage, youth transportation, and shadowing in the community as needed.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree preferred with two years' working experience with youth in a therapeutic days school or residential treatment center or a High School Diploma with a minimum of three years working experience with youth in a therapeutic days school or residential treatment center.
• Advanced skills with mediation/conflict management and restorative justice
• Ability to demonstrate capacity for working effectively with others.
• 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
• Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• Valid Illinois Driver's license
• No history of child abuse or neglect
  

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt.