We invite you to join the Optimist team and help make a difference in the lives of children​ and families, in particular those ​involved in the child welfare system. You ​would be part of a dynamic and mission-driven organization with a ​proven track record of providing life-changing services to at-risk youth and their families.

Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services was founded in 1906, and today we ​continue to help at-risk youth ​through a full continuum of care by supporting children across settings and over time. Our broad range of programs includes residential ​care, mental health counseling, homelessness prevention, and education and career ​pathways. Our services are deeply rooted in equity and leveling the playing field so high-risk youth have the best chance to succeed and ​achieve bright futures.

​Importantly, our values of quality, integrity, respect, advocacy, and diversity ​guide all of our work. Learn more about our mission ​and accomplishments on our website at www.oyhfs.org.

We offer a competitive benefits package:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Care Plan
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays (11)
• Paid Vacation Time
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (up to 4%)
• Educational Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Bonus Program

In accordance with CA law, the expected pay range for this CA position is posted with this position. The actual compensation may be determined based on bona fide factors such as education, experience, and other factors permitted by law.

Salary range for this position: $21.50 - 28.38 / hour

Hiring Range for this position: $21.50 - $21.50 / hour

*PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION BY APPLYING ON OUR WEBSITE @ www.oyhfs.org.*

OVERALL FUNCTION:

The Youth Care Counselor (YCC) for the Shelter Foster Program provides support to clients placed in Shelter Foster Homes. The YCC also supports and guides the Foster Parent who provides the daily care and supervision for the client assigned to the Foster Home. Areas of focus include assisting with behavior management, goal setting, skills building, and ensuring the basic needs (emotional, physical, social, etc.) are met and helps prepare youth for the next permanent placement and adulthood.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Ensuring the Foster Youth is receiving care, support, protection, and supervision in the Shelter Foster Home.
• Assisting with addressing negative behaviors and helping implement behavior management strategies in collaboration with the Shelter Foster Parent.
• Ensuring the Foster Youth’s emotional and physical well-being.
• Support and align with the mental health practitioner’s service /treatment plan.
• Chart Foster Youth’s progress.
• Document and process incidents as required by policy and DCFS.
• Attend mandatory training or in-services, and staff meetings as required.
• Assist with planning and / or facilitating recreational outings for the Foster Youth.
• Ensure medical appointments are attended and documented.
• Drive residents to appointments when necessary.
• Provide support with education goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

*PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION BY APPLYING ON OUR WEBSITE @ www.oyhfs.org.*

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree preferred; minimum of AA degree or comparable experience required and directly related work experience with youth required.
• An educational background that will make it possible to earn the children’s respect and to exemplify the values of education.
• Personal characteristics to be able to work effectively with the children in placement as well as adequate knowledge, skills and experience.
• Ability to be comfortable with the adolescents and be responsive to their needs.
• Ability to accept the children’s parents regardless of their difference in values and standards of conduct.
• Possesses the moral integrity, sense of values and a social commitment of the highest standards as required of all staff dealing with adolescents.
• Able to handle crises.
• Excellent verbal and writing skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to successfully support multiple Foster Youth and Foster Parents.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Hard-working, good attitude, good communicator, and open to feedback.
• Valid California driver’s license; current automobile insurance; have and maintain a clean driving record acceptable to the organization’s insurance company.
• Must be able to be pass a fingerprint background investigation.
• Must be able to pass a TB test, Physical Exam, and Drug Screening.
• MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED & BOOSTED AGAINST COVID-19.
• All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and adolescents who are served by our Agency. Therefore, each employee must at all times be emotionally stable and able to function effectively with children, adolescents and adults who may have mental or behavioral health problems. The staff must be able to demonstrate appropriate daily behavior, appropriate expression of emotions, as well as appropriate role modeling.

*PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION BY APPLYING ON OUR WEBSITE @ www.oyhfs.org.*

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $21.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person