IPS Mentor

Job Summary

Under the assigned supervisor, the Intensive Placement Stabilization (IPS) Mentor I is a part-time position responsible for providing individualized, one-to-one mentoring sessions to a child or teen who is in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services and is receiving Intensive Placement Stabilization Services (IPS). The IPS Mentor will provide a trauma-informed approach via a structured, strength-based service for the purpose of addressing social, communication, and daily living needs. Mentoring includes supporting, coaching, and training the youth in age-appropriate behaviors including interpersonal communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and relating appropriately to other youth and adults. In addition to supporting the child or youth’s exploration of the ARTs, Vocational experiences, identity, self-advocacy, community, and multicultural interest.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Reports to the Child Abuse Hotline as directed by the Mandated Reporter Act.

• Reports any exposure to communicable diseases or injuries resulting from accidents while in the office or in the field.

• Will provide exceptional customer service to parents, caregivers, community partners, and other team members.

• Will be responsible for making any referrals for services for children prior to the CTS staffing.

• Coordinate planning strategies with other agencies as applicable

• Will Identify community resources for youth with the youth, teen, and or Intensive Placement Stabilization (IPS) Counselor/Clinician.

• Will support and or complete aftercare planning and consultation with youth, and teens, referring Intensive Placement Stabilization (IPS) Counselor/Clinician.

• Attends and participates in meetings and training sessions as required by the specific job or department.

• Provides approved transportation when deemed appropriate to facilitate involvement in services for the youth and teens.

• Submits expense vouchers, renewed driver's license, and automobile insurance • coverage on the due date requested by the direct supervisor or hiring agency.

• Responsible for being reliable and flexible to the programs in terms of hours worked and submitting accurate time sheets; contacts Supervisor for any change in schedule or to approve overtime hours worked.

• This position could require client transport.

• This position will require travel to local coverage areas for client engagement opportunities, training, and advocacy in community meetings or staffing. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Helps clients to reach goals as determined by youth, teen, Intensive Placement Stabilization (IPS) Counselor/Clinician or IPS treatment plans.

• Advocates for youth, and teens with collaterals such as DCFS/CD, schools, etc.

• Meet weekly in person with the option of remote, as needed or requested by the Intensive Placement Stabilization (IPS) Counselor/Clinician.

• Works cooperatively with the Intensive Placement Stabilization (IPS) Counselor/Clinician, caregivers,

• Notifies their direct supervisor and Intensive Placement Stabilization (IPS) Counselor/Clinician of any immediate needs, changes, or threats to the family or youth.

• Observes and submits accurate written weekly documentation on the service provided and the outcome of the activity and interaction with the youth or teen.

• Hands-on coaching and training with youth in the residential facility, school, and community.

• Will develop with the Intensive Placement Stabilization (IPS) Counselor/Clinician and implement alternative strategies for youth and teens to learn new skills and make functional progress.

• Will support and or provide enhanced conflict resolution and communication skills for youth and teens developed by the Intensive Placement Stabilization (IPS) Counselor/Clinician.

• Will support the youth, and teens’ social skill acquisition through role play.

• Will work with clients on a part-time basis, 20 to 30 hours a pay period.

• Other Duties as Assigned This list of essential functions is not intended to be exhaustive.

One Hope United reserves the right to revise this job description as needed to comply with actual job requirements.

Qualifications:

Education: GED High School diploma preferred.

Experience: 0 to 2 years’ experience in childcare work, Social Services, Counseling, mentoring or equivalent combination of education or experience, preferred.

Other: Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and acceptable driving record with OHU required levels of coverage for auto insurance Parenting training are appreciated, but not required.

DCFS background clearance

Other Parenting and Attachment Regulation and Competency (ARC) training is appreciated, but not required.

Required Skills:

• Flexibility in scheduling and the ability to work in the office at a minimum of twice a week.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, agency and programmatic procedure manuals, and policies.

• Ability to write monthly reports, and weekly notes and verbally communicate in a clear manner.

• Ability to collaborate with referring partners, community state holders, and DCFS.

• Ability to speak effectively before external and internal groups or individuals who are interoffice, community stakeholders, and within DCFS.

• Ability to exercise discretion and ensure confidentiality in verbal and written communications.

• Positive attitude concerning all aspects of working in a challenging environment (including significant patience and respect for children and families who can become quite angry and demanding), sensitivity to cultural needs, and ability to serve as a positive member of a working team

• Resourcefulness in researching issues, analyzing information skillfully, solving problems, and developing solutions with minimal supervision in a timely manner.

• Proficient computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment and adaptive skills to expand software application skills as necessary

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The position requires visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed; and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, computer, and copier. The employee is occasionally required to move items up to 50 pounds. The employee works in varied residential environments based on an assigned caseload and may encounter unpredictable clients. While performing the duties of this position, the employee travels by automobile and is exposed to changing weather conditions. The employee must be able to enter and exit a vehicle or a building without assistance. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently drive an automobile, taking clients to appointments, in the local and regional areas. Occasionally, travel is outside the local area and overnight.

We Invest in You!

• Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year
• Up to 4 weeks paid Vacation Days, up to 6 paid Personal Days, and up to 5 paid Sick days annually
• Medical, dental, vision, 403b Retirement, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and short-term disability options
• Agency paid life up to $50K based on salary
• Voluntary Supplemental Life for Employee, Spouse, and Child(ren)
• Voluntary Legal Plans
• Agency paid long term after 1 year of employment
• Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
• Free LCSW and LCPC Supervision hours available in some locations

A Different Kind Of Employer One Hope United is strong and ready to grow. Are you ready to grow with us?

• 800+ talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois, and Florida
• Fiscally stable, $70 Million agency-- strong since 1895
• Energetic leadership and a rich community of support

One Hope United does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. One Hope United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. OHU participates in eVerify.
 

In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an offer of employment from One Hope United, you will be required to share proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. The requirement is subject to accommodation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

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