Youth and Family Care Connection, Activities Facilitator

As an Activities Facilitator at New Oakland Family Centers, your primary responsibilities will include planning and leading therapeutic activities for children in the Crisis Care Unit. This involves assisting with daily living skills, providing a safe environment, monitoring safety issues, and engaging consumers in a variety of recreational and educational activities. Your role is pivotal in fostering a compassionate space for young clients.

To be considered for the Activities Facilitator position at New Oakland Family Centers, you need a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum requirement, with a Bachelor’s degree preferred. It's also vital to have one to two years of relevant experience, particularly in crisis work, to ensure you are well-prepared for the challenges of the role.

An effective Activities Facilitator at New Oakland Family Centers should have excellent communication skills, the ability to work well within a multi-disciplinary team, and a calm demeanor in crisis situations. Additionally, knowledge of therapeutic activities, projects, and effective engagement strategies with children are essential skills for success in this role.

The Activities Facilitator at New Oakland Family Centers will work a shift-based schedule that typically includes three 12.5-hour shifts per week, decided by the Crisis Services Director. It's worth noting that initial training occurs during daytime hours, consisting of five 8.5-hour shifts from Monday to Friday before commencing regular non-traditional shifts.

Activities Facilitators at New Oakland Family Centers enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), a retirement plan (401k, IRA), ample paid time off, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and robust training and development opportunities to support your career growth.

In handling a crisis situation as an Activities Facilitator, it's crucial to remain calm and composed. I would assess the situation quickly, ensure the safety of all consumers, and follow established protocols. It's essential to utilize effective communication skills, informing the necessary team members while engaging with consumers to de-escalate the situation.

I would implement an art therapy session where children can express their feelings through creative mediums. Providing various art supplies and a supportive environment allows children to communicate their emotions effectively and find some relief from their distress.

To motivate children during activities, I focus on creating a fun and engaging environment. Utilizing positive reinforcement, offering choices, and ensuring that activities are developmentally appropriate can significantly increase participation and enthusiasm.

Ensuring safety in a crisis care setting involves constant monitoring of the environment and consumers, following safety protocols, and engaging in direct communication with the team. Preparedness to respond quickly to any safety concern is essential, as is fostering a culture of respect and support.

Teamwork is vital in the Activities Facilitator position as it enhances the care provided to consumers. Collaborating with clinical staff, sharing insights, and maintaining open lines of communication allows us to create tailored interventions that resonate well with each child’s individual needs.

When encountering differing opinions with team members, I promote open discussion to understand various perspectives. It’s important to remain respectful, seek common ground, and prioritize the well-being of the consumers in those discussions, always working towards a unified approach.

I ensure to document activities and observations thoroughly and promptly. I would utilize the clinic's policies for documentation, detailing the activities conducted, the engagement level of consumers, any notable behaviors, and any safety concerns. This ensures continuity of care and informs future interventions.

I aspire to work as an Activities Facilitator at New Oakland Family Centers because I am passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children during their most challenging times. The organization’s commitment to providing compassionate and quality care aligns perfectly with my professional values.

To engage children who are reluctant, I would start by building rapport through gentle conversation and allowing them to express their feelings about participating in activities. Gradually introducing engaging elements that align with their interests can help ease them into participation more comfortably.

Balancing clinical duties and administrative tasks requires excellent time management. I would prioritize clinical responsibilities during direct consumer engagement, while reserving specific times during shifts for administrative documentation. This way, I can ensure I am fully present for consumers while still fulfilling necessary paperwork.