Housing Independent Living Program Care Coordinator I

Description

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our Mission: Since 1981, the Orangewood Foundation has passionately advocated for young people facing foster care, homelessness, and trafficking. Our mission is to empower these individuals by supporting the futures they envision, providing dedicated one-on-one support to help them achieve their dreams and goals.

Our Programs & Services: We provide programs and services in four essential areas: Basic Needs & Support, Education, Life Skills & Employment, and Transitional Housing & Support.

Our Vision: A community where every young person thrives. This is our long-term goal for young people in Orange County. We embody this goal every time we talk to a young person, a volunteer, a community member, and to each other.

Our Commitment: Equal Opportunity Employer, Flexible Scheduling, Powerful Teamwork, Personal Fulfillment, Thriving Community, Professional Development, Mental & Physical Wellness, Competitive Compensation

Our Values: At Orangewood, recently ranked #27 in Best Places to Work 2025, we take pride in fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. We ask all staff to uphold the following core values: Trust, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion, and Advocacy

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Housing Independent Living Program Care Coordinator I

Employment Classification: Full-time, Hourly, Non-exempt

Shift: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Reports to: H-ILP Supervisor

Department: Housing Independent Living program (HILP)

Program Summary:

The H-ILP program supports young adults (18-28) with housing vouchers working toward interdependency as they stabilize their housing by providing access to resources, skill building, and coaching. Participants receive individualized support to secure, stabilize, and maintain their housing.

Position Summary:

Care Coordinators provide one-on-one engagement, assessment, coaching, guidance, and support to young people with housing vouchers to secure and maintain housing as well as develop life skills. This position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings and some weekends.

When considering this job opportunity, please be aware that the role may involve high stress levels due to mitigating participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma. It is essential to prioritize self-care and seek appropriate support when needed.

Requirements

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Build strong rapport with young adults to foster trust and open communication, enabling effective coaching and personalized support as they work toward achieving their self-identified goals.
• Facilitate young adult-led assessments to identify their goals and needs, collaboratively developing personalized action plans.
• Support youth in hands-on life skills development, such as budgeting, shopping, obtaining furnishings, cooking, and cleaning, to help them thrive in their housing and achieve self-sufficiency.
• Meet regularly with young adults to provide coaching and support as they work toward achieving their goals.
• Support young adults in making informed decisions regarding housing and their care plans, empowering them to take ownership of their progress.
• Assist young adults in identifying and mapping their support networks, helping them recognize individuals they can turn to for support and fostering connections that enhance their social safety net.
• Offer crisis intervention and connect young adults to appropriate services, ensuring they have the resources they need in times of crisis.
• Represent the organization professionally among partners and the community, advocating for the young adult’s goals and needs.
• Engage in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, including property owners/managers to discuss successes and address challenges the young adults may face, ensuring the youth’s voice is heard.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation to reflect young adults’ progress, care plans, and ongoing support. Additional duties as assigned by direct supervisor.

Knowledge, Skill, and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in either sociology, social work, education, or a related field from an accredited college or university. 
• Bring at least one year of case management experience in the human services field, higher education, working with transitional youth experiencing homelessness, current or former foster youth, counseling, or relevant experience to provide informed and effective support.
• Have a basic understanding of developmental learning theory and issues related to adolescent and child abuse to support youth effectively.
• Demonstrate the ability to work sensitively with youth who have experienced trauma using a trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and harm reduction approach to ensure compassionate and effective care.
• Make sound and timely decisions under pressure to effectively support youth in crisis or challenging situations.
• Demonstrate clear verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information and engage with youth and stakeholders.
• Maintain strict confidentiality to protect the privacy and rights of youth and their information.
• Accept and implement Feedback constructively to continuously improve service delivery and personal development.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
• Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification.
• A Plum.io assessment is a required part of the application process, and your application will not be considered complete until the assessment is submitted. Visit this link to learn more: https://www.plum.io/about

Essential Qualities:

• Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.
• Exhibit strong communication and teamwork skills, adhering to the Foundations’ operating principles to foster a collaborative environment.
• Approach projects and tasks with flexibility and a positive attitude, displaying the essential attitudes needed for success in this role.
• Show ethical decision-making ability and maintain confidentiality to protect the integrity of the work and the privacy of the youth.
• Model leadership and professionalism in all interactions, serving as a role model for youth, peers, and community partners.
• Be a detail-oriented team player with the ability to take initiative, proactively addressing challenges and contributing to team success.
• Enjoy working with young adults, volunteers, and community partners, fostering strong, supportive relationships.
• Capably manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines, maintaining organization and efficiency in a dynamic environment.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Position may require use of personal vehicle. Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending and lifting up to approximately 25 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.).
• Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Benefits:

• Medical – Blue Shield HMO & PPO + HRA
• Delta Dental
• Vision (EyeMed Network)
• FSA – Healthcare & Dependent Care
• Mental Health through Headspace (virtual & in person therapy included)
• EAP – through Umum & Headspace
• Life/Disability/Accident/Critical Illness
• Pet Insurance
• 403b with company match
• Cell Phone Stipend

Time-off Benefits:

• 5 Sick Days per year
• Up to 3 Floating Holidays per year
• Year one - 15 Days of PTO accrued at 5 hours per pay period
• 13 Company Paid Holidays

Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws.