Make a difference in the lives of young people! Join us at Lawrence Hall, where we believe that with a strong team of support around them, all young people have bright futures. We need YOU on our team! Great benefits including a minimum of 4 weeks paid time off, generous 401k employer match, loan forgiveness, free certification training and continuing education units offered internally….social workers, therapists and psychologists- earn all of your recertification/licensure credits free internally or attend external trainings with agency reimbursement.

The Residential Treatment Substance Abuse Specialist (SAS) reports directly to the Treatment Team Coordinator. This position provides direct line of sight supervision and promotes safety to a maximum of 8 youth, between the ages of 8 to 18, in one of six residential units. The position provides milieu-based treatment services and documentation. Requires knowledge of trauma exposure, knowledge of the 5 S’s of trauma: Safety, Self-Regulation/Soothing, Supportive, Strengths, Self-Care, and an understanding of and recognition of the signs of traumatic stress. Must be able to effectively use both verbal and physical intervention skills with individuals six (6) through twenty-one (21) years of age. Physical intervention skills require the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. The position requires the flexibility to adjust hours in order to provide coverage on the unit in the absence of other staff as needed. Weekend and holiday hours included.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide constant supervision of youth behaviors and interactions at all times according to agency Procedures and State licensing standards
• Handle disruptive behaviors in a calm, professional manner utilizing skills learned in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training
• Implement interventions outlined in the individual treatment plans
• Encourage and assist with/model socially acceptable habits and behaviors (i.e. personal hygiene and grooming, table manners, etc)
• Encourage positive relationship building with unit peers and agency staff members
• Uphold requirements of a homelike environment (i.e. maintain proper stock of food, clean shelter and environment clean clothes, etc)
• Provide and create engaging activities for youth to participate in, encouraging relationship building and teambuilding
• Co-facilitate psycho-educational groups for youth
• Document services provided in a manner acceptable for Medicaid Part 132 billing
• Administer first aid as needed
• Supervise the youths’ self-administration of prescribed medications
• Serve as an effective role model
• Use trustworthy, supportive, and child focused techniques
• Transport youths in agency vehicle/van to various community resources, school, etc.
• Respect and work effectively with individuals of diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds
• Communicate effectively with agency team members through reviewing staff logs and email and in-person
• Regularly attend and participate at unit team meetings
• Review and follow agency’s Personnel Policies and Procedures
• Maintain required agency certifications in TCI, First Aid, and CPR
• Assist the assigned case manager with scheduling youth substance abuse services
• Assist with the coordination of care between the substance abuse therapist and the treatment team
• Provide specialized group programming across the residential units for youth actively involved in outside services
• Provide prevention group programming across the residential units
• Facilitate substance abuse assessments as needed for the development of individual treatment plans or the coordination of services with contracted substance abuse providers
• Provide individualized services to youth under the supervision of the assigned residential therapist
• Coordinate the development and implementation of aftercare plans for youth receiving substance abuse services
• Assist with the training of agency staff on common drugs of abuse, primary and side effects, and treatment interventions
• Provide monthly reporting of services for program management and youth reports as requested

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Use of abdominal and lower back muscles continuously over time to support others
• Ability to pass TCI certification and physically restrain youth when necessary
• Ability to stand from kneeling position without assistance

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 21 years of age
• Bachelor’s degree or five (5) years of experience working with similar population; CADC preferred
• Knowledge of word processing and basic computer functions; intermediate to advanced level of computer skills required
• Valid driver’s license and DCFS approval status with no suspensions in effect in the previous three (3) years prior to hire
• No history of child abuse or neglect
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Exposure to resident behavior problems that may include physical acting out and requires safe physical management skills
• Exposure to residents with complex mental health issues and/or disorders
• Exposure to youths with various states of cleanliness and hygiene

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V