Residential Case Aide

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
• Must be in good physical and mental health [DCFS Rule 404]
• If hired to conduct billable Medicaid services, per DCFS Rule 132 must have a Bachelor’s degree in the human services field, OR a Bachelor’s degree in a non-human services field plus two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting, OR a high school diploma/GED and five years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting
• Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills
• Able to demonstrate sound professional judgment and problem-solving ability
• Must have experience with children and an awareness of mental health
• Has the following characteristics: Able to nurture, set healthy limits, teach/model skills, open to learning and supervision, reliable, builds respectful rapport, collaborative while providing appropriate care to clients/their families, and works effectively with interdisciplinary treatment team members internal/external to the organization
• Must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance in order to transport clients
• Demonstrates sensitivity and respect of diverse individuals and communities served by, working in partnership with, or employed by Lydia Home
• Must be able and willing to support the mission of Lydia Home Association (LHA)
• Screenings
• The applicant must submit to a criminal background check and a child abuse and neglect screening and maintain a cleared status throughout employment.
• As required by DCFS licensing standards, the applicant must submit to and pass a physician’s physical exam in addition to a TB and immunization health screen upon hire and for requested updates
• Applicant must clear DCFS screening and remain eligible to transport clients

*Responsibilities/Expectations*

• Assist the nurse in transporting youth to appointments, relaying necessary information to medical providers as directed by the nurse, communicating recommendations from the appointment to the nurse, and securing documentation from the appointment to provide for the client’s record.

• Make trips to pick up requested supplies (e.g., medical supplies).

• Provide transportation and supervision to residents. This includes, but is not limited to: Family visits, preplacement visits/interviews, medical/dental/vision appointments, hospital pick-up, court appointments, offsite therapy. Transportation may include travel to neighboring states.

• Intentionally engage the client and their family during visits. Provide support to the client during visits by intervening to ensure interactions are appropriate and support the client’s well-being. Use judgment to terminate visits when interactions are not deemed appropriate.

• Only allow the client to have contact with approved individuals. If an unapproved individual attempts to make contact during the visit, discontinue contact and notify your Supervisor.

• Stay informed about the client’s needs and presenting issues by reading the case files, talking with members of the treatment team, and processing matters with your Supervisor.

• Develop an individual relationship with each child to meet emotional needs and assist child with social relationships. Relationship is characterized by: nurturing (playing with and comforting child), teaching (informal counseling and instruction), and providing a firm, secure authoritative presence.

• At times and as needed, work shifts on the milieu. Please see Residential Counselor job description.

• As assigned, support youth who require 1:1 support. This may include, but is not limited to youth who are in Therapeutic Foster Care and return to residential for a therapeutic reset.

• Participate in group and individual supervision. Depending on the nature of the appointment, report to the Nurse or Social Services Administrative Assistant for scheduling issues, if expected visitors did not show up, if unapproved individuals attempt to make contact during the visit, and any pertinent visitation/appointment related observations.

• Document every visit on a visit record as required by DCFS. Provide original copy of visit log to the Social Services Administrative Assistant. Turn in the visit log at least one business day after the visit occurred.

• If approved to do Medicaid billing, fulfill documentation requirements by completing case notes in SDS.

• Support social services administrative assistant in clerical tasks; including, but not limited to: Case reviews, outcomes measures, filing, processing UIRs, photocopying, and other tasks.

• Participate in trainings/quality assurance/quality improvement activities.

• Be familiar with and follow agency and residential policies and procedures, ethical guidelines for designated discipline, and the governing agencies policies and procedures (DCFS; COA; Family First) in addition to applicable laws and regulation. Implement agency, state, accreditation, and funding standards, regulations, policies and procedures. Comply with mandated reporting guidelines. Maintain client confidentiality and HIPAA standards. Confidential information handled includes all client information viewed and discussed [including but not limited to client files, Medicaid documentation, and the delivery of services to clients] in addition to program operations and the advancement of Lydia Home’s mission and programs. No client information [e.g., photographs, etc] should ever be posted on the internet or social media platforms.

• Only use cell phone if necessary. Cell phone/computer usage cannot distract from active therapeutic engagement with the clients. Photographing and recording of clients is prohibited as confidentiality of clients must always be maintained. If cell phone use is impacting work performance, disciplinary action can be taken and per supervisor discretion, the privilege of permitting cell phones to be kept on the person can be removed.

• *Schedules can be subject to change based on appointment changes and transportation/supervision needs of clients. You are required to be available to work based on availability given.*

*You are required to be available to work Saturdays*. You will be notified of any appointment changes as soon as possible from the Nurse or Social Services Administrative Assistant.

• Clock in and out at time designated by your supervisor. If running late or staying past designated time, communicate that with these individuals. Receive approval to clock out later than assigned time (e.g., being stuck in traffic returning from a visit). The Milieu Director and approve Case Aide hours.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

*Lydia Home Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.*

Job Type: Full-time Pay: $19.00 per hour

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s)

• Do you have a valid Illinois Driver's License?

Ability to Commute

• Chicago, IL 60641 (Preferred)

Willingness to travel

• 50% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person