Options Counseling and Family Services: Youth Mentor (Multnomah County)

Sign-on Bonus, starting at $500!

Vision StatementOptions Counseling and Family Services supports the health, safety, equity, and well-being of our clients, families, employees, and communities.

Mission StatementIn partnership with members of the communities we serve, Options Counseling and Family Services promotes safety, healing, and empowerment for individuals and families.BenefitsOptions offers many benefits for our full-time employees (full-time is any employee working 30 hours per week or more).

A list of all our benefits can be found on our website, here: https://wp.Options.Org/employment/benefits/ Highlights:Options pays 100% of the cost to cover employees for medical, dental, vision, basic term life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability403b retirement plan with an agency matchHealth Reimbursement Account (HRA) funded by Options to reimburse employees for a percentage of medical expenses related to employees’ deductibleFlexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Expense accounts are availableGenerous Paid Time-Off (PTO) policy that allows employees to earn up to four weeks in the first year of employmentEmployee Assistance Program (EAP), 100% funded by OptionsGeneral Description:The Youth Mentor develops a collaborative problem-solving approach with youth after a complete assessment of skills, resources, strengths, and needs has been made.

The Youth Mentor tailors the services offered to enhance the youth’s opportunities to be successful in gaining the skills needed to be integrated in the community or stepping down to a less restrictive environment.

Interventions are structured to facilitate behavioral changes that support the goals in the plan, which is created by the referring caseworker.

The interventions are designed to help the youth learn how to perform concrete, definable tasks that have been identified as skill deficits.

This position will serve clients in Multnomah county.

Options pays for mileage and time for drive time during working hours.

Ability to travel to families’ homes and communities required.

Evening and weekend hours to be expected.Schedule/Hours:This position is anticipated to be full-time (35-40 hours/week).

The actual hours worked may vary daily depending on the needs of the referring agency or individual client families.

Some overtime may be required and approved by your supervisor in response to client needs, referrals, or other factors.

Here’s what you need to qualify:The State of Oregon is requiring all Healthcare Providers and Healthcare Staff in Healthcare Settings to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series by October 18, 2021 or six weeks after FDA approval of the vaccines, whichever is later.

New employees must submit vaccination documentation or be approved for an exemption/accommodation before beginning work.

For more information, visit OAR 333-019-0010Minimum Qualifications:At least two years of experience providing direct services to youth, basic knowledge of child development, and work with disadvantaged individuals and families.

Strong understanding of available community resources and supports.

Must have a respectful, open, unbiased, accepting attitude toward clients, their families, and staff.

Must be computer proficient in a Microsoft Windows environment.

Pass a criminal background check and/or fingerprinting.

Must have a valid Oregon driver’s license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance.*Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, family studies or related field.

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and record keeping software preferred.

Bilingual, English/Spanish Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Direct Service – 75%Home and community-based services, which mitigate some barriers to participation, and provide a more inclusive understanding of youths’ abilities and strengthsWeekly visits at the onset, tapering to monthly contact as progress is madeTargeted assessment of the youths’ strengths and needs, including the following:Behavioral and physical healthSubstance use through the Screening Brief Intervention Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)Environmental – home and community resourcesEducation – creating or enhancing connections to schoolsIdentification of natural supportsUsing Motivational Interviewing, development of a plan in collaboration with the youth to address identified barriersWarm hand-off to community partners, schools, and other resources that meet the identified needsDevelopment of an informal support system, that may include “giving back” through volunteering or other activities that employ youths’ skills to enhance their neighborhoods and communitiesCooperate with case managers, courts, attorneys, public school teachers and other professional individualsSchedule a variety of daily tasks and handle crises independentlyRecognize client needs and abilitiesDocumentation – 25%Pre and post evaluation to determine outcomes, which include the type and number of services accessedPrepare clear, concise written reports, as requiredAttend and participate in group and individual supervisionOther duties as assigned Working Conditions:May be required to work afternoon, evening, and/or weekend hoursWill travel locally and transport clients with own vehicle.

Must be insured with liability insurance*Extended periods of time sitting at work station updating client records, phone work, and client sessionsAbility to stand, work, and drive throughout the dayMobility and dexterity sufficient to assist clients and handle required job-related functions and move about the facilityAbility to cope with clients who may use challenging or offensive language with potential for escalation to physical aggression