INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS SPECIALIST/MILIEU COUNSELOR

VANCOUVER, WA /FULL TIME 

  ABOUT US:

A+K Ingenuity presents innovative solutions to age old problems, through decades of experience working with adolescents and young adults. In 2018, 1,200 Washington youth were homeless within 12 months of residential treatment for addiction or mental health disorders. We provide foundational services and residential treatment for youth to integrate successfully into their homes and communities.  

JOB SUMMARY:

OUR NEWLY OPENED LONG-TERM BRS (BEHAVIORAL REHABILITATION SERVICES) GROUP HOME IS SEEKING AN INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS (ILS) SPECIALIST TO JOIN OUR DEDICATED TEAM! We’re seeking a specialized milieu counselor to facilitate independent living skills including menu planning, budgeting, grocery shopping, food preparation, laundry and evening group activities.  You will work with a team of milieu counselors who together provide mentorship, emotional support, personal attention, and structured daily routines and living experiences to female-identified adolescents (ages 13-18) in a home like residential facility. Youth, from the WA DCYF foster care system, live in our long-term group home while they await family reunification, other permanent placement options, or independent living. They attend public school, community activities, and participate in independent living readiness. Our milieu staff play an integral role in ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

MILIEU COUNSELORS serve as positive role models for youth in the program. They teach vocational and daily living skills, provide academic support and encouragement, and facilitate skill-building groups. They actively seek recreational and enrichment opportunities for youth to gain independent living skills, integrate into the community, and participate in fun activities and hobbies.

Our specialized Independent Living Skill (ILS) milieu counselors provide a safe and nurturing space by:

• Providing supervision, coaching, emotional support, and skill building education one-on-one and in groups
• Providing transportation to youth to attend scheduled appointments
• Assembling and serving nutritious meals
• Actively monitoring youth to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants
• Planning enrichment and recreation activities, facilitating group and individual learning experiences, assisting with school-work and extra-curricular activities, and maintaining a supportive and structured environment for youth

IDEAL CANDIDATES will have a passion for cooking and be proficient in budgeting, grocery shopping, and other independent living skills.  Ideal candidates are also supportive and flexible, communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with both adolescents in the program and other team members.  Being culturally sensitive and trauma informed is also a vital attribute.

Must be comfortable working in a regulated environment; and work within the parameters of program licensing guidelines. Must have the ability to react promptly, empathetically, and appropriately to the potential challenges involved working in a residential facility.

At A+K Ingenuity we strive to create a positive team-based work environment. Our model utilizes a person-centered, trauma-informed, wrap-around approach. We work together to best serve the needs of the youth in care and are strong believers that everyone is a valuable member of the team and adds to the growth of the program.

VALUES:

Our THRIVE values best describe how we do this work:

• TENACITY
• HEALTH (RELATIONSHIPS, BODIES, FUTURES AND FUN)
• RELENTLESS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND TRANSPARENCY
• INNOVATION
• VISIONARY ADVOCACY 
• EQUITY AND INCLUSION
  • At least 21 years of age
  • Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field (High School Diploma may be accepted)
  • Minimum of 1 year employment experience in the child welfare field working with adolescents in a social service setting
  • Basic computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, databases and Outlook
  • Demonstrates skills and abilities to work successfully with the special needs of children in care
  • Has effective communication and problem-solving skills.

This means we are don’t give up on the youth we work with.  We get to know their strengths and barriers and are unconditional and unyielding in our care despite setbacks. 

The four basic pillars of an effective human life are healthy relationships with our selves, families and peers; physically healthy bodies and minds; a belief and active pursuit of a future of contribution and possibility; and engagement in healthy hobbies and recreation.  A+K Ingenuity’s program philosophy and practices are anchored on these four pillars.

We understand that high quality programming and practices require a reflective commitment to achieving outcomes.  Transparency with our youth, families and care team partners allow us to monitor progress, refine approaches, and continually identify areas where we can improve.

Solutions to the complexities of trauma and its manifestations in the youth and families we serve require a steadfast attunement to current and evolving best-practices.  Through a culture of continuous learning and active participation with our partner agencies, we pursue and implement innovative practices.

We advocate on behalf of youth in our care to receive the supports and services in their schools, families, and communities they need to thrive.  This also entails advocating on behalf of systems improvements that address barriers and advance opportunities.

Respect and value of all people; clients, families, partners, and employees, is central to advancing our mission and vision.  We ensure all youth and families cultures, beliefs, values and preferences are reflected in every aspect of their treatment.

Visit our website to learn more about our mission, history and strategy for accomplishing our goal of achieving significant, positive, and long-term clinical outcomes for the clients we serve.

HTTP://AKINGENUITY.ORG/

SCHEDULE: We are currently hiring for Monday-Friday, 3:30-9:30 p.m.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

VALUED EXPERIENCE:

• Bi-lingual in Spanish and English, written, read and verbal strongly preferred
• 2+ years residential care
• Knowledge of adolescent development, trauma, abuse and neglect, substance abuse and dependence.
• Lifeguard certification

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: • Pass a DHS criminal history background • Meet agency driving requirement

STARTING PAY RATE: Milieu Counselor: $16.00-$17.00

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please send your cover letter and resume to annette@akingenuity.org

Please include:

Why you would like to join our BRS team;

Relevant experience;

How you respond to adversity; and

Strengths and values you bring to our team.