Clinical School and Community Program Coordinator (South Side of Chicago)

ORGANIZATION

Willow House is a nonprofit, social service organization whose sole mission is to support children, families, schools, and communities who are coping with grief and the death of a loved one. Founded in 1998, Willow House is the only independent organization in the state of Illinois solely dedicated to supporting this population. We are recognized as a leader in the field of children’s grief locally and nationally. Our mission is based on the proposition that no child or family should ever grieve alone. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Willow House services are provided at no cost to families.

SUMMARY

Under the direction and supervision of the Willow House Program Director, the Clinical School & Community Program Coordinator delivers and coordinates operations of the clinical school program, performing both clinical and administrative functions.

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

The Clinical School and Community Program Coordinator is a part-time contracted position working in schools and the greater Chicagoland community., mostly in Southern Chicago. This position requires a Masters’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related fields. Licensure in a mental health field preferred. Those with group facilitation and bereavement work experience are encouraged to apply. Spanish speaking is a plus, but not required. Reliable transportation and the ability to work remotely is required. Must have the ability for bi-weekly phone check-ins.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

In-School Support Group Facilitation

Facilitate 8-week grief support groups in schools (Southern Chicago)

Encourage co-facilitation and education of school clinician(s) as to:

• Program goals and expectations
• Roles and responsibilities, and structure of the program
• Educate school staff and school administration on the importance of our services for the grieving student in the classroom
• Plan group sessions – curriculum, supplies, etc.
• Recruit and register group participants, setting an agreed-upon schedule and site
• Assist as needed in communications with Parents & Guardians
• Debrief group experience, identifying follow-up needs and discussing future WH support services (monthly groups, addl. consultation, etc.)

Crisis intervention consultation

• Provide immediate support and education for school communities
• Offer ongoing consultation following a crisis
• Deliver community information & facilitate support meetings

Educational
Educational presentations about grief in the school setting for School Administrators, Clinical and Teaching Staff:

• Including In-services, Lunch & Learns, staff workshops for all school personnel, including but not limited to Administrators, Student Services and Clinical staff, teaching staff, and others, as needed.

Educational consultation for school clinicians:

• Advocate for the grieving students and family
• Consult with school clinicians on working with students experiencing grief
• Provide community referrals and resources

Outreach to Schools

Work with Program Director, Office and Program Coordinator, Clinical Site Coordinators and Student Interns to identify opportunities for outreach to schools:

• Through referrals from Willow House families’ schools
• Other schools expressing interest in Willow House services
• Conduct outreach via calls, emails, and meetings with potential school partners

Administrative Responsibilities and Additional Program Activities

Overall management and oversight of In-School Program, working collaboratively with other staff, in particular, the Program Director, Office, and Program Coordinator and Student Interns:

Collaborate on Reporting and Marketing

Work with Program Director preparing periodic school program reports for the board of directors and grantors.

Contribute to ongoing marketing in collaboration with other staff:

• Contributing to newsletter and other publications
• Contributing to website information and updating brochures

Collaborate on Procedures and Projects requiring Administrative Assistance

Work with Office and Program Coordinator on procedures and projects requiring administrative assistance, including:

• Communications with schools - correspondence, phone contacts, etc.
• Creating and maintaining appropriate record-keeping forms and procedures for all school contacts
• Developing and/or amending forms, policies, and procedures related to the Willow House School Program
• Preparation of supplies for In-School Program, Presentations, Workshops, Crisis Intervention and Consultation

Facilitate additional Community Outreach Support Services

Working with Program Director to facilitate services including but not limited to:

• Community Outreach for non-school organizations through crisis intervention, consultation, education
• Community education and workshops
• Special projects related to COVID-19 mental health support for the community

Additional Notes

• Through reading, research and other professional development activities, remain current on bereavement best practices, especially those within school settings
• Responsibilities are subject to change by the Program Director based on the needs of the organization

Benefits:

• None

Hours per week:

• 1-8

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Ideal schedule is 9am-1pm on two different weekdays.
• Ideal schedule will stay consistent during the school year.
• No weekends

Work Remotely

• Yes

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 8 per week

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• clinical mental health: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person