JOB SUMMARY
Under the leadership of the Family Specialist, the Assistant Family Specialist provides a safe, secure and nurturing environment for the children of the Masonic Home while meeting the children's individual and diverse needs. Assistant Family Specialist provides residents with proper parental role modeling while emphasizing skill and personal development, moral and spiritual development. Assistant Family Specialist maintains resident confidentiality at all times. Assistant Family Specialist must remain alert and awake while on duty.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Provides a cohesive family-like environment by: Teaching and modeling values and morals reflected by the mission of MHCC; Building strong relationship with children through interactive time with the them, outings celebrations of birthdays and holidays; Attending all scheduled mandatory MHCC functions; Teaching meal planning and preparation with children as age appropriate; Planning and conducting well balanced social, educational, cultural and recreational activities; Providing for the basic needs of the children through provision of clothing, food, supplies based on guidelines; Maintaining cleanliness and upkeep of all MHCC properties (including home, van, grounds, etc.); Building positive relationships and teamwork within Children’s Services.
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Demonstrates competency in and implements the Building Skills for Life program by: Monitoring and supervision of the children at all times; Consistently implementing and integrating all components of the Building Skills for Life Program; Emphasizing maximum skills development through use of Needs & Services/Personal Care plans; Utilizing Life Skills Assessment tool daily on a consistent basis; Providing natural and logical interventions to address behavior; Encouraging children to utilize problem solving and self-government skills through daily Family Meetings; Building on the children’s strengths and seeking out opportunities to teach new skills to the children.
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Demonstrates competency in and utilizes the Life Space Crisis Intervention by: Following the six stages of the LSCI; Working through the Conflict Cycle with the children in crisis situations; Obtaining key information through an effective Timeline including ascertaining the seven degrees of behavior; Good understanding of the six reclaiming interventions; Understanding of the different types of stressors and defense mechanisms; Competency in the basic surface management skills; Obtaining certification in LSCI.
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Attends to the children’s medical/physical needs by: Following proper medical policies and procedures per medical manual, program policies and Title 22 guidelines; Completing documentation of health services appointments and following up with completed forms to Health Services Coordinator; Assisting with distribution, administration and documentation of all prescription and OTC medications as per doctor’s orders; Completing necessary Medical Incident Reports in a prompt fashion; Assisting with transportation as needed.
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Provides for academic development of the children by: Monitoring and implementing Academic Success Program through daily study time; Reviewing and providing support with homework; Ensuring children’s participation in homework club/intervention as needed; Attending school functions such as CST’s, IEP’s, Open House and school conferences, teacher meetings; Supporting children’s participation in the Independent Living Program as age appropriate; Communicating and working cooperatively with tutors in developing action plans to foster academic growth; Assisting with educational plans through schedule of class, meetings with school counselors; Preparing children for standardized tests such as STAR, SAT/ACT and CAHSEE; Monitoring children’s attendance and disciplinary referrals record. |
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Maintains professionalism by: Following expectations of the MHCC Customer Service Excellence philosophy; Consistently attending and arriving on time to work, scheduled meetings, appointments and trainings; Responding to emails and phone messages in a prompt and effective manner; Representing MHCC in a proper manner at lodge and community activities both on/off grounds; Contributing to a positive work environment and creating good teamwork between all MHCC employees, community members and lodge members; refraining from fraternizing with colleagues during working hours; presenting self in dress and appearance that is conservative and role model fashion for the children.
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Fosters involvement of Parents/Guardians by: Ensuring regular communication with families regarding behavior, visits, campus events, medication changes, visits, community passes and any special incidents; Obtaining necessary signatures for treatment documents in a timely manner; eliciting feedback from parents prior to the Needs & Services/Personal Care Planning meetings; reviewing finalized Personal Care Plan with parents; Encouraging parent participation in Family Open House meetings and Parenting Program; Seeking out suggestions from parents when dealing with challenging behavior from the children.
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Demonstrates fiscal responsibility by: Following budget guidelines to remain under/at monthly allotted budget; Assisting in the maintenance of the checkbook and reconciling bank statements monthly; Completing reimbursements twice a month, if task assigned; Retaining receipts for all purchases and providing them when reimbursing as required; Using program funds for designated program needs; Maintain a minimum balance of $500 in house checking account; Minimally utilizing supplemental receipts and ensuring children’s signatures are present as necessary.
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Maintains accurate and confidential records by: Maintaining all program documentation in an organized manner; Submitting all needed documentation in a timely manner and ensuring its accuracy, thoroughness, completion (i.e. Needs/Services Plans, Incident Reports and Communication Logs); Maintaining all records of children confidential; Following HIPAA guidelines at all times; ensuring that all records are locked in safe place and accessible only to staff; Refraining from disclosing any information regarding the children without the securing the appropriate authorizations for release of information.
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Follows Agency Policy and Procedures/Title 22 guidelines by: Becoming familiar with Employee Handbook, Program Statement, agency policies and procedures and Title 22 guidelines; Utilizing the Title 22 Self-Assessment tool to audit the home; Following approved work schedule at all times to ensure the safety and supervision of the children; Adhering to all established food guidelines by Title 22 and the EMS program; Reports any violation to agency policies and procedures/Title 22 guidelines promptly to a supervisor; Maintaining necessary certifications (First Aid/CPR, Water Safety, Class B License) and training requirements updated at all times.
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1. Dexterity to write, cook and help with models and games.
2. Physical endurance to engage children in physical activities.
3. Must be able to work a flexible, rotating schedule and the stamina to work sixteen-hour shifts and drive up to four hours.
4. Patience to work under adverse conditions such as constant interruptions, inappropriate behaviors, and receiving verbal and physical abuse.
5. Must be able to remain alert and awake while on duty and be able to be awakened during the night to attend to children’s needs.
6. Required to work 2-4 Overnight Stays per week.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES/CERTIFICATES
1. High school diploma with significant experience in a residential setting or AA/BA/ BS+ degree preferred.
2. Become Life Space Crisis Intervention Certified within six months of employment.
3. Possess and maintain a valid non-restricted California Class B Driver's License or obtain within 90 days of employment.
4. Maintain current CPR, First Aid and Community Water Safety Certificates or obtain certificates within 90 days of employment if not previously certified.
SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE
1. Residential work related experience preferred.
2. Possess effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to provide feedback.
3. Posses the ability to exhibit emotional control, patience and persistence in extremely stressful situations.
4. Ability to read, comprehend and implement materials to the high school level.
5. Computer literacy a must.
6. Must be at least 21 years of age.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. The nature of this position prevents the employee from being relieved of all duty during meal and rest periods and therefore the employee shall work an on-the-job meal period. An employee may revoke the on-duty meal agreement at any time. However, Masonic Homes may not be able to accommodate an employee who cannot meet this job requirement.
2. The Assistant will work independently and alone during some shift schedules.
3. Tolerance to work under adverse conditions such as constant interruptions, inappropriate behaviors, and receiving verbal abuse.
4. Ability to meet the needs of approximately six children.
5. Ability to adapt to changing needs of the children.
6. Must work cooperatively with all house staff and the Program Coordinator and communicate concerns regarding the residents.
7. Ability to improvise and be creative in motivating residents to complete assignments and projects.
8. Effective verbal and written communication skills required.
9. Personal and professional philosophy based on strength based, family focused, needs driven values needed.
10. Must be sensitive and responsive to cultural differences among the agency’s client population.
11. All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children who are served by our organization. Therefore, each employee must, at all times be emotionally stable and able to function effectively with children and their families, who may have emotional or behavioral problems. All staff must be able to demonstrate appropriate daily behavior, appropriate expression of emotions, professional boundaries as well as appropriate role modeling.
