Job Title:       Crisis Outreach Worker                                                Department:   Shelter Services

Reports To:   Director of Shelter Services                           FLSA Status:  Exempt

Summary of Position

To coordinate and conduct direct crisis outreach services to runaway and homeless youth.  To provide education to youth, schools, community groups, organizations, law enforcement, and the citizens of Montgomery County regarding youth homelessness, runaway prevention and other at-risk youth behaviors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, but other duties may be assigned:

DIRECT SERVICE:

• Responsible for conducting all aspects of crisis outreach with clients including direct contact,

relationship building, connection to services, follow-up and aftercare.

•  Provide food, clothing, bedding, personal hygiene supplies, other basic necessities and

information/educational materials to youth who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.

•  Engage the youth in goal setting and treatment planning in order to identify the needed services

and arrange for referral and follow-through.

•  Provide crisis counseling/intervention (also agency daily on-call) and case management designed

to connect youth to needed medical, dental and/or other community services, transportation,

continued contact with youth while in care, and discharge planning.

• Assist with agency on-call/crisis intervention to include both daily and evening on-call duties as

necessary.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND MOTIVATION:   

• Invest in the community through collaboration with school districts, and civic groups with the goal of educating on youth homelessness, runaway prevention and other issues effecting at-risk youth/families in Montgomery County.
• Function as the Shelter Services liaison (point person) for organizing requests for presentations, speaking engagements, community fairs and festivals throughout the year.
• Develop a variety of presentations to utilize for community education and outreach.
• Maintain membership in existing community coalitions, attend community festivals and fairs, plan new community awareness activities, and assist in developing new community coalitions to meet the needs of homeless youth and increase community awareness of this issue.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES: 

• Complete and submit Monthly Agency Outreach Report and enter data into agency and grant

databases as required.

• Generate and maintain appropriate documentation-including screenings, intake assessments, and

outcome measures for all youth served through crisis outreach services.

• Maintain up-to-date records regarding community presentations and outcome measures related to

community education and outreach.  If necessary, develop tools to measure and track outcomes

in regards to community education.

• Adhere to and apply the Texas Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies with particular

emphasis on standards for children in General Residential Operations.

• Display the ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekend and evening hours to

accommodate project needs for direct service to youth and community presentations and events.

• Perform all other duties related to the job as assigned by the Director and/or Supervisor.

All Staff Must: 

• Adhere to the Social Work Code of Ethics and maintain and protect client confidentiality.
• Promote and demonstrate appropriate respect for cultural diversity among co-workers and all work related contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Maintain valid Texas Driver’s License and Automobile Insurance.
• Obtain and maintain current CPR and First Aid Certifications.
• Maintain required training hours as per licensure and/or agency policies.

Position Specifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Education and Training:

• Bachelor’s Degree in social service-related field required
• Previous experience working with adolescents in a street outreach program or with homeless and runaway youth strongly preferred
• Previous experience with presentations to groups of individuals
• Bilingual ability a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to network with community resources, organize and lead community coalitions
• Ability to speak in front of large groups and conduct presentations regarding the issue of youth homelessness and other issues related to at-risk youth
• Computer literate to include Word, Excel, Power Point, and Microsoft Publisher.
• Knowledge of community resources available for referrals
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This job requires a high degree of mental and physical effort due to considerable interruptions

and/or frequent changes of activity or workloads during a typical day.

• This position will require the employee to work a flexible schedule in order to meet the needs of

the program.  Work may be required on weekends and holidays.  Actual work hours and working

days can vary.

• Generally, work takes places indoors, but at times, the employee will be asked to be outside

participating and assisting with activities with fellow employees and/or clients.

• Travel is required during the normal workday.  The employee may be required to drive a 15

passenger van in the course of his/her duties.

• Since the employee is expected to be out in the community and meeting the youth where they are,

the employee will also be required to travel in his/her own vehicle to and from MCYS offices,

seminars and meetings.

• Throughout the calendar year, the Outreach staff  will be required to rotate on-call duties with

other designated shelter and/or agency staff to cover on-call/crisis situations within shelter

services and/or the agency.  Duties include daily, evening and weekend hours.  During this on-call

time, the Outreach Worker will also be required to be available after normal working hours, carry a

cell phone and be readily accessible to come to the site of a crisis in case of emergency.

Physical Demands:

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to walk; stand; climb stairs; sit; use hands to use or handle office tools and equipment, including telephone and computer; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus for work with computers and peripheral vision and depth perception for driving.

Please send resumes to carrie.johnson@youthmc.org

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

The post MCYS IS ALSO Hiring For A Crisis Outreach Worker! appeared first on TNOYS - Texas Network of Youth Services.

Job Title:       Crisis Outreach Counselor                              Department:   Shelter Services

Reports To:   Director of Shelter Services                           FLSA Status:  Exempt

Summary of Position

To coordinate and conduct crisis outreach services to runaway and homeless youth living in and out of the shelter setting.  To provide education to youth, schools, community groups, organizations, law enforcement, and the citizens of Montgomery County regarding youth homelessness, runaway prevention and other at-risk youth behaviors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, but other duties may be assigned:

DIRECT SERVICE:

• Responsible for conducting all aspects of services for youth including outreach, crisis

intervention, transportation, shelter placements, family reunification counseling, youth and family

counseling, case management, discharge planning, follow-up and aftercare.

• Offer all services from a trauma-informed care and harm reduction approach and according to the

goals and objectives of the shelter services funding.    

• Implement the NRH’s “Let’s Talk” evidence-based curriculum in the shelter setting or as requested

by outside agencies/schools.    

• Engage the youth in goal setting and treatment planning in order to identify the needed services

and arrange for referral and follow-through.

• Provide crisis counseling/intervention (also agency “on-call”) and case management designed

to connect youth to needed medical, dental and/or other community services, transportation,

continued contact with youth while in care, and discharge planning.

• Assist with agency on-call/crisis intervention to include both daily and after hours on-call duties as

necessary.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND MOTIVATION:   

• Invest in the community through collaboration with school districts, and civic groups with the goal of educating on youth homelessness, runaway prevention and other issues effecting at-risk youth/families in Montgomery County.
• Function as the Shelter Services liaison (point person) for organizing requests for presentations, speaking engagements, community fairs and festivals throughout the year.
• Develop a variety of presentations to utilize for community education and outreach.
• Maintain membership in existing community coalitions, attend community festivals and fairs, plan new community awareness activities, and assist in developing new community coalitions to meet the needs of homeless youth and increase community awareness of this issue.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES: 

• Complete and submit Monthly Agency Outreach Report and enter data into agency and grant

databases as required.

• Generate and maintain appropriate documentation-including screenings, intake assessments, and

outcome measures for all youth served through crisis outreach services.

• Maintain up-to-date records regarding community presentations and outcome measures related to

community education and outreach.  If necessary, develop tools to measure and track outcomes

in regards to community education.

• Adhere to and apply the Texas Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies with particular

emphasis on standards for children in General Residential Operations.

• Display the ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekend and evening hours to

accommodate project needs for direct service to youth and community presentations and events.

• Perform all other duties related to the job as assigned by the Director and/or Supervisor.

All Staff Must: 

• Adhere to the Social Work Code of Ethics and maintain and protect client confidentiality.
• Promote and demonstrate appropriate respect for cultural diversity among co-workers and all work related contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Maintain valid Texas Driver’s License and Automobile Insurance.
• Obtain and maintain current CPR and First Aid Certifications.
• Maintain required training hours as per licensure and/or agency policies.

Position Specifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Education and Training:

• Master’s Degree in social service-related field strongly preferred
• Previous experience working with adolescents in a street outreach program or with homeless and runaway youth strongly preferred
• Previous experience with presentations to large groups of individuals
• Bilingual ability a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to network with community resources, organize and lead community coalitions
• Ability to speak in front of large groups and conduct presentations regarding the issue of youth homelessness and other issues related to at-risk youth
• Computer literate to include Word, Excel, Power Point, and Microsoft Publisher.
• Knowledge of social media-creating and maintaining popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.
• Knowledge of community resources available for referrals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This job requires a high degree of mental and physical effort due to considerable interruptions

and/or frequent changes of activity or workloads during a typical day.

• This position will require the employee to work a flexible schedule in order to meet the needs of

the program.  Work may be required on weekends and holidays.  Actual work hours and working

days can vary.  Working in shelter services requires a great deal of flexibility since the programs

operate 24/7/365.

• Work can take place indoors or outdoors.  The employee may be asked to be outside participating

and assisting with activities with fellow employees and/or clients.

• Travel is required during the normal workday.  The employee may be required to drive a 15

passenger van in the course of his/her duties.

• Since the employee is expected to be out in the community and meeting the youth where they are,

the employee will also be required to travel in his/her own vehicle to and from MCYS offices,

seminars and meetings.

• Throughout the calendar year, the Shelter Services staff will be required to rotate on-call duties

with other designated shelter and/or agency staff to cover on-call/crisis situations within shelter

services and/or the agency.  Duties include daily, evening and weekend hours.  During this on-call

time, the Crisis Outreach Staff will also be required to be available after normal working hours,

carry a cell phone and be readily accessible to come to the site of a crisis in case of emergency.

Physical Demands:

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to walk; stand; climb stairs; sit; use hands to use or handle office tools and equipment, including telephone and computer; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus for work with computers and peripheral vision and depth perception for driving.

Please send resumes to carrie.johnson@youthmc.org

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

The employee has reviewed this description and agrees that he/she is fully able and can perform the duties and responsibilities of this position:

The post MCYS Hiring Crisis Outreach Counselor appeared first on TNOYS - Texas Network of Youth Services.

The post Now Hiring: In-Home Family Services Consultant, Boys Town Texas (Posted 2/27/2013) appeared first on TNOYS - Texas Network of Youth Services.

But today, let’s talk about our new website! We have spent many hours  creating a new and improved site that will make it easier for you to find the resources you need to advocate for the runaway, homeless and foster care youth of Texas, receive the training and support services you need as youth service professionals and organizations, and engage and support youth to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

The new site is a reflection of the changes we are going through as an organization. We are still providing all of the valuable services to our members and community, but we are refreshing our look, our voice, and our resources. We hope you enjoy exploring our new site and we welcome any comments or suggestions you might have to improve it. Leave your comments here or email info@tnoys.org. We look forward to your feedback, and remember their future is our business!

The post TNOYS Update appeared first on TNOYS - Texas Network of Youth Services.

Youth Voice for Justice, our group of youth that have spent time in the juvenile justice system, met last week at the Capitol. The youth identified some positions to discuss with legislators, took  a tour of the Capitol, and met with the staff of Representative Turner’s office- who tweeted a picture of the group to her boss!

Finally, Representative Dawnna Dukes has asked us to testify this Tuesday, February 19,  in support of a bill that would create an IDA (Individual Development Account) program for Foster Youth in Texas. You can find more info on how these accounts work here: http://www.jimcaseyyouth.org/savings-and-asset-building.  That same day, we  will also be testifying in support of some limits on psychotropic medications and other foster care improvements. If you or any youth you work with want to get more involved with advocacy this session, contact me at dcormie@tnoys.org

 Posted by Duncan Cormie, TNOYS Policy Specialist on Friday, February 15, 2013. 

The post Advocacy in Action! appeared first on TNOYS - Texas Network of Youth Services.

Here is what they said: Eliminating the levels made them feel more normal, more motivated, less pressured. Residents said there was less judgment, and overall “we feel more like a teenager at home.” Residents shared with us that we “care about each other more too.” Previously a 4-level color system dictated what privileges they got on a daily basis. Youth said it was just “too easy to mess up.” The color level system distracted them from their treatment goals. They would get preoccupied with what color they were on as well as what color everyone else was on. Youth stated that once they messed up (dropped a level) there was no point in doing better. “Why try?” one said.  Another said,  ”If we don’t have levels we can focus on our treatment.”  There was also less envy among peers. “I was just too focused on colors not treatment.” Another youth mentioned, “Now it is just more relaxed and your body is not tense”.

Having no level system in place now requires residents to “talk it out” with staff. Youth decide what their consequence should be for “causing a safety”(cultural language for residents being unsafe). Weekly goals are individualized and discussed with staff on an ongoing basis. Residents said “this is more like it is at home and less like a placement.”

The most impressive outcome was a sign on the staff office window “29 days” restraint free. A celebration was being planned and the youth were very proud and eager to share this with us. Many of the residents are also involved in the Leadership Council where youth get to voice their opinions about the program and recommend changes that should be made.

Reset Rooms – or sensory rooms, help residents “reset” and practice new skills. They can take a break, think about their weekly goals and ponder if anything needs to be changed.

The overall atmosphere on the cottage was very positive, staff were relaxed and residents very proud of what they had accomplished. It was evident that creating a home like environment was a priority for this group and eliminating the level system definitely moved them that direction. Towards the end of our visit one resident summed it up, “A level system is just not normal.”

Since our visit to this RTC we have learned that they are now 49 days restraint free.

Eliminating Level Systems – Staff reflections

Here is what the staff on this cottage had to say about their experience.

• Staff like that the consequences are more immediate and directly linked to the youths actual behavior.They are more appropriate than arbitrary consequences and levels. Staff are able to connect more action and consequences when talking with the kids and can do more teaching around this. Staff can also involve the kids more in setting their own consequences and feeling empowered in their treatment.
• Staff like that the kids don’t get set up to fail with this system like they did with a level system. They would get hopeless and figure “Well, I’m already on X so why try…”
• Staff say that this seems much more normalizing than the level system.
• Staff also like that they are able to engage more clinically with the residents and set limits that feel right in the moment as well as walking away and not needing to know what the consequence is immediately.
• Each resident initially created a list of positive and negative consequences that they feel would be good for them to earn and staff started from that point instead of a blueprint of consequences.
• Staff say it has opened up a whole new level of team collaboration and that has been really cool for them as a team.

What to let other programs should know:

• It is not as scary as it seems.
• The team must have a strong working relationship and be able to honestly and positively communicate with each other to make this work.
• That the fear that there will be no structure is not true and there is still quite a bit of structure and far more room for natural consequences and learning.
• That sharing power with the kids is actually extremely empowering for staff and improves our roles with the kids. It also decreases textbook opposition considerably.
• That setting a limit is not the same thing as a power struggle.
• That it can be hard to make sure that things don’t slip through the cracks and stay in the moment but also staff realize that sometimes natural consequences are the best ones and we don’t need to add any.
• That it is really hard to feel like you are giving up “control” and allow yourself to not know what the consequence should be. However, it is completely worth it because that is when we don’t feel the need to have a consequencein the moment then the youth frequently become the most motivated.
• That it is important to not get stuck in the same consequences and get in a rut but to be creative and individualize the consequences for the particular kid and the particular situation.
• That it can be really rough to not give too many consequences in response to one behavior, even if that behavior is extreme. It is still hugely important to just walk away and/or limit the consequences to one.

Written by former TNOYS Program Director Kim Schenck and one of Youth Development Specialists,  Carina Moreno.

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