Residential Support Specialist - Full-time

The individual will monitor the apartment site in concert with DCFS regulations as well as other funding specifications as needed, provide crisis management, assist in the development of independent living skills; including, menu planning, grocery shopping, housekeeping, as well as planning and participating in community activities. This person will also document all activities and interactions with youth per Thresholds', DFCS, as well as other funding agencies policies and specifications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the direct supervision, gathers member information and assesses the need for service, makes recommendations for treatment, identifies and investigates existing natural resources and supports, explains options available to the member and assists in the application process.
• Assists in the development and implementation of a Thresholds' Service Plan. Works in cooperation with the psychiatrist, other team members, the member, their support systems, and collaborating agencies.
• Advocates and assists with problem solving/resolution that will help the member access and utilize support from the community or family.
• Teaches members independent and community living skills, such as housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation and personal hygiene as well as the development of functional, interpersonal, family and coping skills.
• Keeps the residence neat and clean at all times. Advises Supervisor, Team Leader, or designee of any maintenance problems and issues. Responsible for the creation of a safe, clean, interesting, and inviting atmosphere for members
• Supports and promotes member self-advocacy and participation in decision making, treatment and treatment planning.
• Identifies risk factors related to the relapse and development of relapse prevention plans and strategies. Develops resources within the agency and/or community.
• Monitors self-administration of medication. This includes all procedures associated with the documentation of medication monitoring of self-administration in keeping with Thresholds' standards, as well as procedures to follow in the event that there is any disruption to the medication schedule.
• Attends all required meetings as assigned.
• Assures that all Thresholds records are organized in a systematic and organized fashion. Follows all appropriate safeguards with regard to the confidential files maintained at the Program. Follows all policies and procedures pertaining to all records, including but not limited to, restricting access to all records per agency policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

MARGINAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• May be required to oversee and maintain the safety of the members, staff and visitors. This requires the upkeep of fire and safety equipment and document accordingly. Conduct all safety drills in conformance with current CARF and Agency standards and complete documentation as instructed.

EDUCATION:

• Must at a minimum meet Office of Mental Health rule 132 standards as a Rehabilitative Services Associate which requires a minimum age of 23, high school graduate or GED certificate, and demonstrated skills in the field of services to adults.
• Candidates meeting requirements as a Mental Health Professional (MHP) are preferred:
• Must have Bachelor's degree, or have a Practical Nurses License, and/or experience* working with person diagnosed with mental illness.

Five years of supervised experience in mental health of human services may be substituted for formal education with the approval of the Program Director

• Experience working with mentally ill youth and/or DCFS wards preferred, as well as familiarity with DCFS housing regulations.

EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to work cooperatively with other members, their support systems, collaborating agencies, other co-workers, and management.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in solving members' problems, responding to emergencies and generally managing the service environment.
• Trained in Basic First Aid including the Heimlich Maneuver and CPR
• Computer proficiency, including the ability to use email and working knowledge of pertinent software.