Overview

Job Title: Resource and Crisis Support Specialist

Department: Foster Care

Manager: Director of Intensive Foster Care Services

Schedule: Weekend Shift

Compensation: Salary, Exempt

Job Summary: The Resource Communications Coordinator is responsible for maintaining ongoing communication about notable events on the Damar Campus and ensuring sufficient staffing. During critical situations, will provide necessary resources, immediate training, corrective guidance, and support to staff.

Responsibilities

• Effectively responds to and manages crisis situations, prioritizing Intensive Foster Care Services while also supporting other Damar programs. Takes a lead role in de-escalation and intervention when necessary.
• Able to promptly respond to crises involving clients and/or caregivers to ensure safety and provide necessary support.
• Willing to be trained to complete risk assessments.
• Answers incoming calls during scheduled shifts as part of regular responsibilities.
• Attends mandatory staff meeting and other meetings as assigned.
• Provides support to other Damar programs if/when needed.
• Works to build rapport and foster engagement with high-acuity youth and their caregivers.
• Works within a multi-disciplinary team to address specific behavioral and mental health needs of the youth in order to preserve placement.
• Attends training courses designed to increase skills.
• Ensures policies and procedures are followed by employees and takes prompt and appropriate action to correct violations.
• Maintains alertness and engagement at all times.
• Provides safety and security through active interactions with caregivers and children.
• Initiates special precautions for clients that exhibit and meet high risk behavior criteria.
• Takes appropriate action regarding any events that affect the mental and physical well-being of the IFC youth, including but not limited to, providing client and caregiver support, informal training and crisis management.
• Understands behavior support plans for high acuity clients.
• Prioritizes duties in a manner consistent with organizational objectives and growth.
• Shows initiative by identifying solutions to work towards improving mal-adaptive behaviors, including aggression, elopement and self-harm.
• Ensures that the Agency meets its quality improvement, evaluation and reporting requirements.
• Maintains written documentation of all pertinent information occurring during assigned shifts and promptly routes important information to appropriate personnel.
• Complies with HIPAA guidelines by maintaining the confidentiality of video recordings and protecting access to the video recording and monitoring room.
• Completes incident reports, including reporting any suspected exploitation, abuse, or neglect of a client.
• Will adhere to all policies and procedures as defined in the Employee Handbook and Damar Operational Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Respects the culture, diversity and rights of all clients, their families and the community.
• Ensures that all activities, services and programs through Damar are conducted in a manner that is sensitive to and shows respect for the cultural and ethnic diversity for all Damar clients.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or GED required. College degree preferred.

Experience:

• Must have one year of full-time experience working with behavioral challenges and/or individuals identifying with the DD/ID population.
• Six months experience on the Damar Resource Team preferred.

Equipment Familiarity:

• Proficiency with MS Office applications including: Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Certifications, Licenses or Special Training:

• Minimum age of 21 per licensure requirements.
• Ability to pass and maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification.
• Ability to pass and maintain CPR Certification. 
• Must meet and maintain background screening requirements for all Damar Programs as detailed in policy 1.HR.02 Pre-Employment and Employee Background Checks.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and driving record that meets eligibility requirements of Damar’s insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving).
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical required. 

Abilities:

• This role includes working some holidays on a rotating basis.
• Ability to follow and execute specific oral and written
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in
• Ability to promote and maintain positive interaction with all internal and external
• Ability to complete medication administration training before passing
• Ability to physically manage and restrain clients when necessary, including ability to assist in lifting, maneuvering, and physically supporting individuals up to 200 pounds; ability to lift to 35 pounds.
• Strong decision-making skills to be able to handle emergency situations in a professional and appropriate
• Demonstrate respect for cultural, ethnic, spiritual and linguistic diversity and values including differences in personal goals, lifestyle choices and varying family backgrounds and histories.