Care Coordinator, Project CHOICE

Care Coordinator supports youth ages 11-21 who come into the drop-in center by assessing for their immediate needs, including but not limited to: safety and stability, housing coordination, mental health linkages and safety planning. Manages the daily environment of the drop-in center and coordinates services/workshops offered to the youth. Works to cultivate a survivor-centered and trauma informed approach to service provision. Meets monthly 1:1 with youth enrolled in care coordination to create and update youth’s case plans. Supports with tabling and outreach events as needed.

When considering this job opportunity, please be aware that the role may involve high stress levels due to mitigating participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma. It is essential to prioritize self-care and seek appropriate support when needed.

Requirements: Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Safety/Stability (40% of the time) Ensure the drop-in center provides a welcoming environment that supports and respects all young people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Greet new young people into the Center, provide a tour, complete initial and on-going assessments.
• Assess participants for basic needs and provide youth with clothing from the resource closet, groceries, and hygiene supplies.
• Document participant enrollment in the program within Apricot in a timely manner.
• Continually check in with young people who are in the Center, build rapport, use trauma informed approaches and creativity to encourage relationship building.
• Assess for risk behaviors and needs while using stages of change and motivational interviewing to provide further coaching and support.
• Create safety plans based on participant’s voice and choice.
• Understand and be able to follow through on mandated reporting standards.
• Support drop-in center as a whole by checking in young people at the front desk, picking up donations off site and supporting to prep and serve lunch and dinner.
• Facilitate and participate in weekly workshops for young people to help teach coping skills, build self-esteem, and provide psycho-education on relevant topics.
• Oversee/develop trauma-informed activities for young people and promote the center safety guidelines.
• Be able to work as a team to communicate action plans during a crisis.
• Use appropriate crisis intervention techniques to support young people in times of high need and stress.
• Assess for participant and staff safety at all times.

• Care Coordination (40% of role) Provide strength-based, survivor center care coordination services with a harm reduction, trauma informed care practice utilizing motivational interviewing.
• Complete Freedom Life Map (FLM) Assessment with young people, helping the young people identify priorities and celebrate achievements.
• Develop Care Plans with young people based on priorities set from FLM Assessment.
• Collaborate with community and therapeutic partners to enhance the participant’s support team outside of Project CHOICE.
• Provide Linkages and Referrals to young people based on their needs.
• Collaborate with care coordinators from other programs within and outside of the agency according to the needs/goals of the young people.
• Provide advocacy for young people in the community.
• Empower young people by providing them with autonomy in their decision making while providing non-judgmental care.
• Meet with participants 1:1 onsite or offsite in the community to follow up on care plans.
• Coordinate transportation for young people into the Center.
• Complete all necessary Care Coordination documentation.
• 3.
• Outreach (20% of role) Collaborate with Orange County Grace Court, Juvenile Hall, Youth Guidance Center, and other community partners to connect young people with Project CHOICE resources.
• Provide support and education to families and caregivers of young people at risk of or with a history of sex trafficking and exploitation.
• Participate in community tabling events, attend agency outreach/training opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned by Program Leadership.
• All staff are required to be on call at least one week out of the month for the Project CHOICE Warmline.
• This includes managing the 24/7 line to support youth with safety planning and coordinating support to mitigate any immediate safety concerns.

• Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor’s degree in human services, Sociology, Social Work, Education, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• One (1) year experience in direct or indirect service provision to CSEC youth, at-risk youth, youth with substance abuse addiction, and/or experiencing homelessness.
• Completion of sixteen (16) hours of advanced CSEC training on Trauma- Informed care may be substituted for six (6) months of direct or indirect service experience.
• OR Completion of eighteen (18) semester units or equivalent from an accredited college in psychology, counseling, sociology, social work, criminology, or other behavior related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a human services field, with a minimum of one (1) year experience in direct or indirect service provision to CSEC youth, at-risk youth, youth with substance abuse addiction, and/or experiencing homelessness.
• Completion of sixteen (16) hours of advanced CSEC training on Trauma-Informed care may be substituted for six (6) months of direct or indirect service experience.
• Applicants with lived experience in human trafficking, exploitation, and/or CSEC are invited to apply.

• Additional Requirements Possess a strong understanding of adolescent and child abuse issues, human development, Trauma-Informed care, and the dynamics of sexual exploitation of children.
• Proficiency in English is required, and bilingual-Spanish, is strongly preferred.
• Must be at least twenty-four (24) years of age per contract requirements.
• High tolerance and respect for youth survival actions, while promoting harm reduction strategies.
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills and ability to establish rapport with CSEC and youth at-risk who may be difficult to engage within different community settings.
• Available to work weekends and evenings, as needed.
• Effective communication skills including writing, public speaking, and conflict resolution/mediation skills.
• Highly adaptable, motivated, willing to learn, and able to work independently at times.
• Continually develops self-knowledge of issues of CSEC/human trafficking laws and best practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Position requires DMV clearance.
• Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification.
• A Plum.io assessment is a required part of the application process, and your application will be reviewed after assessment submission.
• Visit this link to learn more https://www.plum.io/about

The above minimum qualifications and minimum experience is subject to review and approval by the funder, OCSSA.

Essential Qualities

Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values. Enjoys working directly with youth, volunteers, community partners, etc. Passion for and enjoys working directly with TAY population.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements

Position will require use of personal vehicle. Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending, and lifting up to approximately 25lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.).

Employee

Benefits

Medical – Blue Shield HMO & PPO + HRA Delta Dental Vision (EyeMed Network) FSA – Healthcare & Dependent Care Mental Health through Headspace (virtual & in person therapy included) EAP – through Umum & Headspace Life/Disability/Accident/Critical Illness Pet Insurance 403b with company match Cell Phone Stipend

Time-off Benefits

5 Sick Days per year Up to 3 Floating Holidays per year Year one - 15 Days of PTO accrued at 5 hours per pay period 13 Company Paid Holidays

Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws.