Dormitory Operations Specialist

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our Mission: Since 1981, the Orangewood Foundation has passionately advocated for young people facing foster care, homelessness, and trafficking. Our mission is to empower these individuals by supporting the futures they envision, providing dedicated one-on-one support to help them achieve their dreams and goals.

Our Programs & Services: We provide programs and services in four essential areas: Basic Needs & Support, Education, Life Skills & Employment, and Transitional Housing & Support.

Our Vision: A community where every young person thrives. This is our long-term goal for young people in Orange County. We embody this goal every time we talk to a young person, a volunteer, a community member, and to each other.

Our Commitment: Equal Opportunity Employer, Flexible Scheduling, Powerful Teamwork, Personal Fulfillment, Thriving Community, Professional Development, Mental & Physical Wellness, Competitive Compensation

Our Values: At Orangewood, recently ranked #27 in Best Places to Work 2025, we take pride in fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. We ask all staff to uphold the following core values: Trust, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion, and Advocacy

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Dormitory Operations Specialist

Employment Classification: Full Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt (Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-5:30PM). 

Reports to: Youth Dormitory Support Specialist Supervisor

Department: Youth Connected Program

Program Summary:

Youth Connected Program includes foster family agency, school dormitory, and Mental Health services in coordination with government agencies and collaborative partners.

Position Summary:

The Dormitory Operations Specialist is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a licensed dormitory (2 floors) serving foster and probation youth. This role ensures the dorm environment is safe, clean, and well-maintained, and that daily routines run smoothly in alignment with licensing standards and trauma-informed care principles. Key responsibilities include coordinating meal planning and household supplies, managing maintenance requests, organizing transportation logistics, supporting youth with daily living activities, and ensuring the dorm suites foster a sense of stability and belonging. This position also plays a critical role in promoting a nurturing, youth-centered atmosphere where youth feel respected, supported, and empowered in their journey toward healing and independence

Major Areas of Responsibility:

Home Operations Management

• Ensure the dorms are clean, safe, and compliant with licensing and health regulations.
• Oversee inventory and procurement of household supplies, food, and personal care items.
• Coordinate maintenance and repair requests to keep the facility in good condition.

Daily Schedule and Logistics

• Support implementation of daily routines, including meals, chores, curfews, and recreational activities.
• Organize and coordinate youth transportation for appointments, school, and activities.
• Maintain up-to-date records of youth schedules and ensure smooth transitions between activities.

Youth Support and Engagement

• Provide direct support to youth with daily living skills and promote a stable, supportive environment.
• Model appropriate behavior and positive communication.
• Assist in implementing trauma-informed and youth-centered care practices.

Team Support and Communication

• Participate in daily shift changes.
• Maintain communication logs, shift notes, and special incident reports to ensure consistency of care.
• Serve as a point of contact for routine questions from staff during shifts.

Staff Onboarding and Training Support

• Assist with onboarding, including orientation to home routines and expectations.
• Support peer learning and reinforce training on safety protocols, licensing requirements, and trauma-informed practices.
• Monitor staff adherence to procedures and provide informal guidance as needed.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of incidents, medication logs, and other required reports.
• Support adherence to licensing standards, agency policies, and trauma-informed care guidelines.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and internal reviews as needed.
• Additional duties as assigned by direct supervisor.

Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related preferred.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with at-risk youth is preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• 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 received after submitting your application. Visit this link to learn more https://www.plum.io/about

Knowledge & Skills:

• Proficiency in Nonviolence Crisis Intervention, de-escalation, and First Aid/CPR
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with community partners.
• Familiarity with local resources, including housing, employment, and recovery services, is a plus.
• Proficiency in case management software and electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and trust with youth.
• Collaborative mindset, able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience working sensitively with youth impacted by trauma, using trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Ability to make sound and timely decisions under pressure, particularly when managing youth crises.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate ethical decision-making in all aspects of the role.
• Ability to think critically and strategically, identifying opportunities and challenges and developing solutions to support youth success.”

Essential Qualities:

• Understand and passionately support Orangewood Foundation’s mission, vision, and values, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills, adhering to the Foundation's operating principles and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Approach projects, activities, and job functions with flexibility and a positive attitude, displaying the essential attitudes required for success in this role.
• Exhibit ethical decision-making ability and maintain confidentiality, protecting the integrity of the work and the privacy of the youth served.
• Model leadership and professionalism, setting a standard for staff, youth, and community partners.
• Effectively manage multiple responsibilities and maintain organization in a dynamic work environment.
• Be a detail-oriented team player with the ability to take initiative, proactively addressing challenges and contributing to the team’s success.
• Enjoy working with youth, young adults, volunteers, and community partners, fostering strong, supportive relationships.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

Family-style, school dormitory for foster and probation youth, 7th-12th grade, with medical, behavioral, mental health issues, and the potential for verbal and physical threats. Community settings, both local (such as school and recreation) and community-based to facilitate transportation. Additional requirements include:

• Position will require use of personal vehicle.
• Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending, and lifting up to approximately 25 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.).
• 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.
• Work occasionally requires exposure to blood-borne pathogens
• Stamina to work 12-hour shifts and drive for up to four hours.
• Available to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation.

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

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

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