Independent Living Program Specialist

Polk Youth Services works with current or former foster youth ages 14-23 in Polk, Marion and Yamhill Counties. The Independent Living Program is a contract with the Department of Human Services Child Welfare that provides support to help young people develop life skills and work toward independence after foster care. We are urgently hiring for an ILP Specialist that is engaging, encouraging, compassionate and excited to work with teens and young adults. We are hiring 2 positions, including 1 bilingual position. Please Note: This is not a DSP position. ILP Specialists work with teens and young adults living in foster homes or independently, helping them access resources and build life skills to transition into adulthood. 

Job Duties:

Direct Service - 60% of job

• Meet with the young people on your caseload for at least an hour a month to provide assistance and life skills coaching.
• Instruct youth in basic life skills such as budgeting, job skills, post-secondary education planning, personal care, health and safety, pregnancy prevention and parenting awareness, substance abuse prevention, healthy relationships, and access to community resources
• Help co-lead monthly skills training and fun activity groups with other ILP Specialists
• Supervise youth in overnight events 3-4 times a year.
• Provide transportation as needed

Case Coordination - 30% of job

• Work closely with DHS caseworkers, resource parents, attorneys, CASA's and others on the young person's team
• Develop and maintain a knowledge of dynamics of high-risk families including substance abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and trauma.
• Work a flexible schedule to meet youth's needs, which may include some evenings and/or weekends.

Documentation - 10% of job

• Complete case notes and monthly paperwork as outlined in the program contract.
• Provide reporting to ODHS as required
• Maintain daily oversight of incoming emails and ensure timely, accurate responses.

Additional Job Duties:

• Work under the direction of the District 3 Independent Living Program Supervisor and follow all DHS contract guidelines
• We serve young people in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties, so you must be willing to drive to meet the needs of your clients.
• Schedule and Location: Monday - Friday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (occasional evenings, weekends and overnights to supervise youth events)
• Polk Youth Services main office is located in Dallas Or. (Polk Co.)
• You are provided with a laptop, ipad and a work cell phone

Position Requirements:

• Must be at least 23 years old
• Must have Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or related field OR
• An Associate's Degree in the same areas above and 2 years of experience working with teens and young adults, 14-23 in various capacities OR
• 4 years of experience working with teens and young adults, 14-23 in various social work or correctional capacities.
• A valid Driver's License, reliable transportation and insurance
• Be able to pass a DMV check for our business auto policy
• Be able to pass a DHS background check