Substitute Group Assistant

San Diego Youth Services

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Substitute Group Assistant

San Diego Youth Services seeks a Group Assistant in the Adoptions Program to be based at locations throughout San Diego County.  This is a part-time & non-exempt position reporting to the Adoptions Program Manager.

San Diego Youth Services:  Who we are

San Diego Youth Services has helped improve the lives of more than 780,000 homeless, runaway and vulnerable youth since its beginning in 1970. We provide safe places to live and long-term solutions through shelter, foster homes, community centers and housing to more than 28,000 youth every year at 100+ community and school locations. Through prevention, early intervention and treatment, we also help youth before they need higher levels of care or become homeless.

We aim to:

1. Meet the basic needs of youth.  Hunger, poverty and youth homelessness are on the rise for many youth and their families today. We help meet these basic needs for youth. What could be more vital than food and shelter? We provide safe places to live and long-term solutions through shelter, foster homes, community centers and housing.
2. Create positive connection. We help youth focus on positive life changes and healthy relationships as part of providing needed resources and services. San Diego Youth Services has long provided foster homes and adoption support services for families considering adopting a youth in the foster care system.
3. Help youth develop life skills. In addition to a range of safe and stable housing options, we offer support to help youth develop the independent living skills necessary to become self-sufficient and keep off the streets.
4. Promote overall health and well-being. Early intervention and care for the whole child are critical. We provide a broad continuum of services to help youth overcome trauma and challenges that put them at risk, including case management, counseling, mental health treatment and educational support and resources.

SDYS has a staff of approximately 250 employees and 80 volunteers working across San Diego County and an annual budget of approximately $24 million.  You can learn more about us at www.sdyouthservices.org

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION OR PROGRAM DESCRIPTION HIRING FOR

Our Adoption Support Services Program began in 1998 with the goal of creating a community of adoptive families bringing hope and the tools necessary to provide safe, sensitive and lasting homes for children and teens who have come on the adoption journey.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

Accountable to Family Advocate Coordinators and Program Manager for the maintenance of a safe and positive group atmosphere for children and youth, ranging from preschool, school-aged children to teens. Hours vary: 3-4 hours per movie night

Essential functions include:

• Must be familiar with and/or willing to develop a working knowledge of trauma-informed care and support for youth and families diagnosed with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders.
• Welcome and support volunteers in the organization and assist them in accomplishing their services whenever applicable. Supervise volunteers as assigned.
• Maintain data collection and contract compliance of records as required.
• Assist in the planning and facilitation of weekly support groups—held as regional movie or game nights for youth ages 2 to 18, typically occurring on the first four Fridays of each month across all four regions (subject to change due to holidays or scheduling needs).
• Assist with the development of curriculum activities appropriate for child/youth support groups.
• Support and co-facilitate cluster outings on an as-needed basis (1–2 times per month), which may occur on weekdays or weekends depending on program and youth needs.
• Assist in the facilitation of two annual all-family events.
• Provide transportation to activities on an as-needed basis.
• Maintain data collection and records as required and assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy standards of service partner-protected health information and other applicable information and material in accordance to agency and center policies, and applicable regulations and laws including HIPAA.
• Participate in implementing the agency's resource development plan as appropriate.
• Maintain warm, welcoming office grounds and facilities.

PREFERRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• AA degree or equivalent knowledge in child development or 2 years’ experience. 
• Desire to work with adoptive children who have special needs. 
• Practical experience working with children or teens.
• Must be willing to provide trauma-informed care and apply the principles for working with youth who have a dual diagnosis. 
• Must be familiar with attachment and willing to develop a knowledge of adoption and permanency issues.
• Must be available to work in the evenings and weekends. 
• Must have a reliable vehicle, willing to drive youth, relevant auto insurance, a clean driving record, and willing to drive throughout San Diego County (mileage reimbursement available). 
• Willing to go through the clearance process which may include drug testing (Hire is pending the results of appropriate clearances).

SDYS EXPECTATIONS

• Adhere to and uphold the rigorous standards of SDYS as mandated by its mission, purpose, guiding principles and standards of quality.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy standards of service partner protected health information and other applicable information and material in accordance to agency and center policies, and applicable regulations and laws including HIPAA. 
• Welcome and support SDYS volunteers and assist them in accomplishing their services whenever applicable.
• Effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Recognize, nurture, and learn from strengths in co-workers.
• Maintain warm, welcoming and safe work environments.
• Possess flexibility to accomplish job responsibilities in several work environments, whether it be from home, on the road, or in an office.
• Employment is subject to required clearances which include tuberculosis test, fingerprinting, background checks, and drug testing.

Salary Range: $20.00 – 21.00/hour

To apply, please send resume and cover letter through job posting on SDYS website.

SDYS offers a comprehensive benefits package to full time employees that includes generous PTO, personal holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, parental leave and a 403(b)-retirement plan with matching contribution.  SDYS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.  Read more about the PSLF program here.

All are welcome at San Diego Youth Services. 

As an organization working to meet the basic needs of youth, create positive connections, help youth develop life skills, and promote overall health and well-being, SDYS believes its practices and actions must reflect the highest level of commitment to access, equity, and social justice.

The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our members invest in their work represents not only part of the SDYS’ culture, but the SDYS’ reputation and achievements as well.  SDYS remains open to feedback from all communities it touches and knows that input from those with direct experience of issues will make the SDYS more effective in achieving its goals.

SDYS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.  Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.  In compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act as amended, all new employees must verify their eligibility to work in the United States.

SDYS is proud to be a kindness certified company.