Activity Specialist jobs in Waukegan, IL

The Activity Specialist is a position with flexible hours. The Activity Specialist is responsible for direct and indirect therapeutic services to youth served in a residential living environment that promotes the learning of skills for emotional, mental, and physical health; provides a therapeutic, safe, and structured environment, as specified, in each youth’s Individual Treatment Plan and the OHU Program Plan. The Activity Specialist helps contribute to overall recreation planning and implementation. The Activity Specialist has the opportunity to take youth off campus to a host of events in the surrounding areas; including Broadway shows, sporting events, 5ks, etc. The Activity Specialist hosts and curates fun and cultural enriching events for the youth. 

Qualifications

Education

A. MHP 

• High School Diploma or GED with five years’ experience in a mental health setting
• Bachelor's degree in any other field with two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting
  Medicaid approved Bachelor’s degree

B. QMHP

• Medicaid approved Master’s Degree that stands alone
  Medicaid approved related master’s degree with one-year supervision of a QMHP

Experience

• 1-year related experience in residential or related services

Other

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record with OHU required levels of coverage for auto insurance
• DCFS background check & approval to transport youth
• Must be physically able to complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) restraint training

Job Duties Include:

• Completes service documentation reflecting therapeutic interactions with clients.
• Guides the planning and implementation of summer recreation groups
• Provides support and direction to staff leading summer groups
• Leads the Youth Job Program via interviewing/selecting youth and overseeing the performance of duties
• Identifies sites for community service for youth, as needed
• Leads planning and implementation of annual events, such as residential youth holiday party, dances, and celebrations
• Develops and coordinates Summer Programming during summer break
• Serves as holiday liaison for the department and oversees the completion of thank you responses
• Creates and maintains resource files of group curriculum/lesson plans to reuse as appropriate; creates and maintains binder of local recreation resources
• Provides information to homes and/or school about available resources for outings and field trips
• Seeks donations/discounted prices, in conjunction with Fund Development department, for outings and events
• Contributes to Clinical Meetings and Team Meetings as assigned
• Transports youth to assigned activities
• Provides on-call and crisis intervention services regularly
• Adheres to Evidence-Based/Trauma-Informed Program
• Perform on-call responsibilities on a residential campus

Required Skills

1. Proficient computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment and adaptive skills to expand software application skills as necessary
2. Highly organized, yet flexible, and can handle multiple priorities/projects well; ability to manage tight deadlines
3. Ability to function well in a team environment and work well with outside vendors
4. Resourceful in researching issues and developing solutions with minimal supervision
5. Excellent interpersonal skills and effective communications skills (verbal, written, documentation, listening)
6. Ability to write routine reports and verbally communicate in a clear manner
7. Ability to be professional and courteous with a strong customer service focus
8. Ability to exercise discretion and ensure confidentiality
9. Demonstrated ability to build professional relationships
10. Demonstrated problem-solving techniques

We Invest in You!

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year
• Generous vacation and PTO plans
• Health, dental, vision,  retirement plan, health savings account, agency paid life and LTD, supplemental life insurance
• Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
• Leadership opportunities on site-based Center Management Teams

A Different Kind Of Employer - One Hope United is strong and ready to grow. Are you ready to grow with us?

• 800 talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Florida
• Fiscally stable, $50 Million agency-- strong since 1895
• Energetic leadership and a rich community of support

One Hope United does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. One Hope United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. One Hope United participates in e Verify.

In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an offer of employment from One Hope United, you will be required to share proof of a Covid-19 vaccination. The requirement is subject to accommodation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

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