Youth Care Coordinator - Project Excel - Aspire Program

Job Responsibilities:

Youth Care Coordinator

Wisconsin Community Services (WCS)

Position Summary:

Youth Care Coordinators coordinate with youth in the Aspire Program and their families, Milwaukee County Division of Children, Youth and Family Services (CYFS) staff, schools, and other service providers to assist youth to utilize professional, community, and natural supports to address their needs at home, in school, and in the community. The focus of the services is on educational, treatment, and employment/vocational needs of youth.

Essential Functions:

• Assist youth and families to develop youth-centered goals and coordinate services for medical and mental health assistance, AODA services, medication management, education, employment, training, development of social support systems, etc.
• Role model a positive attitude and provide affirming feedback and positive reinforcement to youth
• Complete and maintain all required paperwork, records, and documents including intakes, service plans, school engagement plans, monthly reports, and discharge summaries.
• Enter data into the program database, SecurManage, and the Milwaukee County database Synthesis, within the required timeframes.
• Follow all applicable policies and procedures of the program and agency.
• Maintain consistent, reliable communication with youth, families, Milwaukee County DYFS staff and other team members, schools, etc.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and treatment team meetings with other service providers and supports.
• Arrange and assist with transportation of youth, including riding on the transportation routes to pick up and drop off youth from programming.
• Utilize Evidence-Based Practices with fidelity, including Motivational Interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
• Facilitate approved groups/ancillary services based on program needs and schedule.
• Organize and connect youth and families to resources, utilizing a warm hand-off approach.
• Participate in the program’s Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Performance Quality Improvement Processes.
• Participate in ongoing training as required by CCS to provide psychosocial rehabilitation services to children with mental or substance use needs, and other trainings as required (when the program moves to being a CCS provider).
• Mental Health/AODA Certification must be renewed every two years (if applicable).
• Provide services within Milwaukee Public Schools as required per DYFS contract.

Other Duties and Responsibilities: Provide coverage for colleagues when needed. Other job-related duties that are necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

PM21

Job Qualifications:

Minimal Qualifications: At least two years of social services/human services or education experience and a Bachelor’s degree is required; degree preference in clinical psychology, psychology, counseling and guidance, social work, education, or a related discipline. Familiarity with youth justice interventions that effectively reduce criminogenic needs, the Wisconsin Juvenile Code, and Children’s Court proceedings/processes is beneficial. Experience or familiarity with Comprehensive Community Support (CCS) services is beneficial. Licensed independent clinical social workers, certified social workers, and licensed professional counselors must meet the qualifications established in Wis. Stat. 457. Must have insured automobile and valid driver’s license. No convictions or license revocations that would fail a caregiver background check.

Other Job Information (if applicable):

Personal Attributes: Individuals must be able to engage with youth in a respectful, compassionate, and non-judgmental way. Follow agency Code of Conduct and Leadership Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency, program, and all funding partners; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, youth, families, and all external individuals and agencies; practice cultural reverence toward racial, ethnic, LGBTQ+, and disability issues; and demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Working knowledge of positive adolescent/youth development and the effects of childhood trauma; experience with mental illness and substance use needs of youth; patience with and understanding of challenging life situations; the ability to interact with youth and parents/guardians in a calm, respectful, and professional manner at all times; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations; ability to cooperatively problem-solve; proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel; perform computer functions necessary to program operations; uses time efficiently and effectively; ability to multi-task; sensitivity towards cultural, ethnic and disability issues.

Working Conditions: Work is performed with youth who have significant needs primarily in busy day treatment environment at community and school sites. Some work, including intake sessions and team meetings, may take place in the homes of youth. Must be able to feel comfortable in a fast-paced environment. Must be comfortable working at multiple sites, mostly in the City of Milwaukee. Typically works 40 hours per week; evening hours are required during the school year.

Physical Demands: Duties require active engagement with youth in the program and expectations of the youth and visitors to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the program’s physical environments. Staff may be required to use physical intervention in extreme situations. This position requires driving for program-related purposes and riding on transportation routes with youth.

Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability, status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.