Position Title: Care Coordinator I-Independent Living program (ILP)

Employment Classification: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-exempt

Reports to: Independent Living program (ILP) Supervisor

Department: Programs

Program Summary:  The ILP program supports youth and young adults (16-21) working toward interdependency as they exit from foster care by providing access to resources, skill-building, and coaching. Participants receive individualized support and engage in workshops on topics such as education, employment, housing, financial responsibility, and health. 

Position Summary:  Care Coordinators provide one-on-one engagement, assessment, coaching, guidance, and support to young people. This position requires a flexible schedule including evenings and some weekends as well meeting youth in the community.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Build strong rapport with youth to foster trust and open communication, enabling effective coaching and personalized support as they work toward achieving their self-identified goals.

• Facilitate youth-led assessments to identify their goals and needs, collaboratively developing personalized action plans.

• Meet regularly with youth to provide coaching and support as they work towards achieving their goals.

• Support youth in making informed decisions regarding their care plans, empowering them to take ownership of their progress.

• Assist youth in identifying and mapping their support networks, helping them recognize individuals they can turn to for support and fostering connections that enhance their social safety net.

• Offer crisis intervention and connect youth to appropriate services, ensuring they have the resources they need in times of crisis.

• Represent the organization professionally among partners and the community, advocating for the youth’s goals and needs.

• Engage in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, such as social workers, to discuss successes and address challenges the youth may face, ensuring the youth’s voice is heard.

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation to reflect youth’s progress, care plans, and ongoing support

Knowledge, Skill, and Experience Requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in human services, Sociology, Social Work, Education, Psychology, or related field required to ensure a foundational understanding of the concepts and practices in the field.

• Bring at least one year of experience in the human services field, higher education, working with transitional age youth experiencing homelessness, current and former foster youth, counseling, or relevant experience to provide informed and effective support. 

• Have a basic understanding of developmental learning theory and issues related to adolescent and child abuse to support youth effectively.

• Demonstrate the ability to work sensitively with youth who have experienced trauma using a trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and harm reduction approach to ensure compassionate and effective care.

• Make sound and timely decisions under pressure to effectively support youth in crisis or challenging situations.

• Demonstrate clear verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information and engage with youth and stakeholders.

• Maintain strict confidentiality to protect their privacy and rights of youth and their information

• Accept and Implement Feedback constructively to continuously improve service delivery and personal development.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.

• Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.

• Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification

Essential Qualities:

• Demonstrate an understanding of and passion for Orangewood Foundations’ mission, vision, and values, ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals.

• Exhibit strong communication and teamwork skills, adhering to the Foundations’ operating principles to foster a collaborative environment.

• Approach projects and tasks with flexibility and a positive attitude, displaying the essential attitudes needed for success in this role.

• Show ethical decision-making ability and maintain confidentiality to protect the integrity of the work and the privacy of the youth.

• Model leadership and professionalism in all interactions, serving as a role model for youth, peers, and community partners.

• Be a detail-oriented team player with the ability to take initiative, proactively address challenges and contributing to team success.

• Enjoy working with youth, young adults, volunteers, and community partners, fostering strong, supportive relationships.

• Capably manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines, maintaining organization and efficiency in a dynamic environment

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

•  Position may require use of personal vehicle. Working environment includes meeting youth in the community as well as working in the office. Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending and lifting up to approximately 25 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.). 
• Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation.

When considering this job opportunity, please be aware that the role may involve high stress levels due to mitigating participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma. It is essential to prioritize self-care and seek appropriate support when needed.

Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws.