Resource Foster Parent Respite

Benefits:

Possible Travel for field experience

Flexible schedule

Training & development

Position Purpose: This position is a part-time Resource (Foster) Parent Respite at a foster care level community home for youth who are victims and survivors of human trafficking, specifically commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). The organization Present Help in the Time of Trouble Refuge, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a nurturing and safe environment for women, children, and individuals facing various challenges has contracted with the City of Philadelphia, to provide these community home placement and supportive services for CSEC youth for the City.

Job Summary: In this vital role, the individual will be responsible as a Respite (part-time) for the operation of the community home and the general well-being of up to four (4) CSEC youth and their care. The individual will provide coverage when the Resource Foster Parent is not available and on occasion may require overnight (or live-in) visits. The individual will ensure a consistent routine is followed to help create a sense of normalcy and predictability and will facilitate access and transportation to necessary health care services, including physical, mental, and behavioral health care and ensure that youth have access to education. The individual will set clear rules and expectations and maintain the confidentiality of the youth history and experiences.

Responsibilities

Provide a safe, nurturing and stable home environment for children placed in your care.

Develop trusting relationships with children to help them feel secure and valued.

Maintain a trauma- informed atmosphere that recognizes and responds to the youth’s needs.

Meet the basic needs by preparing and providing daily meals.

Ensure youth have appropriate clothing and clothed properly each day.

Maintain a clean and working community home

Take youth to all appointments and transport when necessary.

Handle personal hygiene needs, routines, and school attendance for youth.

Monitor weekly group meetings.

Help the youth cope with grief, depression, PTSD, and adjustment issues related to being removed from their birth family.

Help the youth build and maintain healthy relationships with peers and adults, fostering social skills and positive interactions.

Be aware of and sensitive to youth cultural background and experience important for youth identity and healing process.

Participate in case meetings and share observations about the youth's progress and needs.

Ensure the youth has transportation to and from visitations with biological family.

Facilitate access and transportation to necessary health care services, including physical, mental, and behavioral health care.

Ensure youth have regular medical checkups, therapy sessions, and medication management.

Ensure the youth receive necessary medical and dental appointments and follow treatment plans.

Ensure the youth have access to education, whether through traditional schooling or alternative educational programs.

Support the youth academic needs and advocate for any special services they may require.

Set clear rules and expectations and use positive reinforcements.

Manage challenging behaviors.

Maintain the confidentiality of the youth's history and experiences

Treat the youth with dignity and respect and ensure the youth privacy is protected.

Engage in ongoing training to stay informed about the dynamics of human trafficking, trauma- informed care, and best practices for supporting affected children.

Experience Ideal candidates will possess experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

Working with children in various capacities (childcare, education, etc.).

Crisis management techniques to handle challenging situations effectively.

Exposure working with the LGBTQ individuals.

Relative experience working with foster or community homes, childcare services, or youth services.

Working Conditions:

· This position requires working in a community home.

· Valid driver’s license