By Joe Peters, Hammitt Junior-Senior High staff

Summer vacation has ended and we are back in school here at Hammitt Junior Senior High School. One of our traditions here at HJSHS is that we have a Job Fair Week during our first full week of school. Five classrooms participated this year, 2010 and they all enjoyed the experience.

Job fair week is a mixture of fieldtrips, classroom studies and computer lab time which is all designed to assist and inform students about different places of employment and future careers. The primary goal of this year’s Job Fair was to educate the student body on the various places of businesses that we use for skill development. Skill development is a job placement that a student and a job Coach attend together and work for a couple of hours. Each student that has a skill development work site is paid a small stipend by me. Each classroom took two field trips only to those businesses that we use for skill development. In previous years, we have taken fieldtrips to larger places such as the Work Force Development Center at Heartland Community College. We will save these larger trips to take later on in the school year. Some of the businesses that we visited were: East Bay Camp, Walgreens — Ft. Jesse, Humane Society, Fran Mar Chemical, Team Automotive, Midstate Transmission, Alpha Graphics, Little Jewels Learning Center, Rogi’s learning Center.  One class also completed a section on all of our internal jobs (recycling, bathrooms).

 After completing all of their tours, each class then had to create a tri–fold board which shows each place they visited. The middle of the board was left open for each class to decorate as they saw fit and to display their team name. While in the computer lab, each team had to create a power point display as well. Also during the lab time, students completed a “Career Cruising” interest profile that helps them to look at future careers and interest that they have. By answering several questions, the program generates a graph showing each student their high interest levels and low interest levels when it concerns career choices.

On Thursday, we brought the week to an end at the Olgesby training center. Each class stood up in front of the school and spent about 15 minutes to inform the student body as to what they learned about each business. While they were giving their speeches, their power point played behind them on the big screen. Students were very respectful of their classmates during the program and Dale, the CEO of The Baby Fold, commented and complimented them during the program.

So keep your eyes open when visiting these business partners of ours because you just may see one of our students working there.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• In conjunction with client and treatment team, develops client treatment plans and facilitates treatment planning sessions.  Participates in client service planning, court hearings, administrative case reviews, individualized educational planning and other service and treatment planning activities in accordance with program requirements.
• Provides individual, family, and group counseling and therapy in accordance with client treatment plans.
• In accordance with the treatment plan, advocates for the needs of clients and arranges or provides for supportive services to clients.  Facilitates psychiatric appointments with consulting psychiatrist and manages related consents for treatment.  Consults with psychologists and psychiatrists on behalf of clients.
• Completes all required documentation according to program requirements for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Utilizes community contacts to advocate for clients and to promote child and family welfare.
• Complies with all pertinent state and federal laws, DCFS Rules and Procedures, Medicaid requirements, the Code of Ethics for Child Welfare Professionals, and other applicable professional codes of ethics.
• Enhances professional competence through ongoing awareness of developments in the field of child welfare. 
• Contributes to quality improvement through participation in quality improvement activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must meet the definition of a mental health professional (MHP) as defined in Part 132, Medicaid Community Mental Health Service Program. Qualified mental health professional (QMHP) preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling and guidance, or a related field and successful completion of a practicum and/or internship which includes a minimum of 1,000 hours or has one year of clinical experience under the supervision of a qualified mental health professional; or is a licensed social worker holding a master’s degree with two years of experience in mental health services.  Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Previous trauma treatment experience in art, music, or dance therapy preferred.
• Experience with children/adolescents with special needs preferred.  Experience with Medicaid billing preferred.
• Knowledge and skills necessary to apply the principles of child welfare and mental health treatment to specific cases.
• Willingness to work evening and weekend hours when necessary.
• Demonstrated competence in serving a culturally diverse population.   Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse workforce.  Ability to communicate effectively with client population.  Ability to work cooperatively with staff within The Baby Fold, as well as with necessary collateral contacts.
• Must pass DCFS drug screen and background checks. Ability to meet DCFS driver eligibility requirements preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel for job responsibilities, including a valid driver’s license and use of a personal vehicle with adequate insurance required.
• Mission oriented and willing to apply The Baby Fold’s standards and beliefs to the performance of job duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally team lift and/or move clients up to 150 pounds; and physically restrain aggressive clients according to therapeutic crisis intervention guidelines.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK HOURS: Part-time position; 25 hours per week, with prorated benefits; hours to be scheduled by supervisor.  Possibility of increased hours in the future.   

 LOCATION: 612 Oglesby Ave., Normal, IL 61761

To apply, print out an application and send to:

Human Resources

The Baby Fold

108 E. Willow St.

Normal, IL 61761

Fax: (309) 451-7289 

Applications are also available at this address. 

The Baby Fold is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• In conjunction with client and treatment team, develops client treatment plans and facilitates treatment planning sessions.  Participates in client service planning, court hearings, administrative case reviews, individualized educational planning and other service and treatment planning activities in accordance with program requirements.
• Provides individual, family, and group counseling and therapy in accordance with client treatment plans.
• In accordance with the treatment plan, advocates for the needs of clients and arranges or provides for supportive services to clients.  Facilitates psychiatric appointments with consulting psychiatrist and manages related consents for treatment.  Consults with psychologists and psychiatrists on behalf of clients.
• Completes all required documentation according to program requirements for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Utilizes community contacts to advocate for clients and to promote child and family welfare.
• Complies with all pertinent state and federal laws, DCFS Rules and Procedures, Medicaid requirements, the Code of Ethics for Child Welfare Professionals, and other applicable professional codes of ethics.
• Enhances professional competence through ongoing awareness of developments in the field of child welfare. 
• Contributes to quality improvement through participation in quality improvement activities.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must meet the definition of a mental health professional (MHP) as defined in Part 132, Medicaid Community Mental Health Service Program. Qualified mental health professional (QMHP) preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling and guidance, or a related field and successful completion of a practicum and/or internship which includes a minimum of 1,000 hours or has one year of clinical experience under the supervision of a qualified mental health professional; or is a licensed social worker holding a master’s degree with two years of experience in mental health services.  Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Previous trauma treatment experience in art, music, or dance therapy preferred.
• Experience with children/adolescents with special needs preferred.  Experience with Medicaid billing preferred.
• Knowledge and skills necessary to apply the principles of child welfare and mental health treatment to specific cases.
• Willingness to work evening and weekend hours when necessary.
• Demonstrated competence in serving a culturally diverse population.   Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse workforce.  Ability to communicate effectively with client population.  Ability to work cooperatively with staff within The Baby Fold, as well as with necessary collateral contacts.
• Must pass DCFS drug screen and background checks. Ability to meet DCFS driver eligibility requirements preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel for job responsibilities, including a valid driver’s license and use of a personal vehicle with adequate insurance required.
• Mission oriented and willing to apply The Baby Fold’s standards and beliefs to the performance of job duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to read, write, talk, and hear.  The employee is frequently required to sit.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to type, write, or handle objects, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must sometimes lift and/or carry small children, records and/or other items up to 50 pounds. 

Specific vision requirements include the ability to visually supervise children and/or other clients for whom there is responsibility.  Also requires close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  Must be able to visually observe the conditions of a home, provide auditory assessments of the mental and emotional condition of a client.  Must have the physical ability to enter homes and other work-related environments that are not handicap accessible.

WORK HOURS: Part-time position; 25 hours per week, with prorated benefits; hours to be scheduled by supervisor.  Possibility of increased hours in the future.   

 LOCATION: 612 Oglesby Ave., Normal, IL 61761

To apply, print out an application and send to:

Human Resources

The Baby Fold

108 E. Willow St.

Normal, IL 61761

Fax: (309) 451-7289 

Applications are also available at this address. 

The Baby Fold is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

By Joni Naylor, Beck’s Hybrid

When Nate and Shannon Anderson of Rankin, Illinois, married in 2000, they had hopes to become parents in the near future.  Unfortunately, they had no luck after trying for eight years to have children.  That’s when they made a decision that changed their lives. The Andersons made the decision to adopt a child from The Baby Fold, and their lives have never been the same.

“I never realized when we were adopting how close I would be with my son,” said Nate Anderson. “There’s no better feeling than when I get a call in the field and hear him say, ‘Dadda … home.’”

The Baby Fold was founded in 1902 and currently has four locations in Normal, Illinois. The organization embodies Christian principles to help families and children develop the hope, courage and love they need to become whole and healthy. When the Andersons got the call from The Baby Fold that they could pick up their son, there was a wave of excitement that swept over the family. The call aslo resulted in a detour from the Andersons’ return trip after a tractor pull.

Nate, Ryan and Todd Anderson, along with their mechanic and friend Chuck DeMoss, have been members of the Illiana Pullers Association, IPA, for nearly four years. The team pulls and International 1066 tractor called Checkin’ Out.

“We were on our way home from a pull the day we got the call to pick up our son,” said Nate. “Getting that call was better than any adrenaline rush from pulling!”

The coincidence of adopting their son on the same day they were at a tractor pull is a memory that stuck with the Andersons. The events of that special day are what led Nate to introduce an idea to the IPA nearly two years later. At the annual IPA banquet, Nate approached the officers with an idea for a charity tractor pull to benefit The Baby Fold.

“I really didn’t think that anyone would take me seriously when I suggested the charity pull, but everyone was surprisingly receptive,” said Anderson.

Illiana Tractor Pullers Association President, Andy Buhr, has all the experience needed to plan and execute a tractor pull. His efforts, along with the help of many others including Bill Clayton, Airport Manager of the Rantoul National Aviation Center, have made the Andersons’ wish to give back to The Baby Fold a possibility.

The Pulling for Kids charity tractor pull will be help at the Rantoul National Aviation Center on Saturday, August 28, 2010, at 5 p.m. The tractor pull will feature food and refreshments provided by the Gifford Lions Club.  The Andersons have been Beck’s Hybrids customers for several years, and approached their dealer Jeff Heidrick and Beck’s District Sales Manager Joe McElhoe about sponsoring the Pulling for Kids event. Beck’s Hybrids has signed on to be the title sponsor for the tractor pull.

“This is an opportunity to support not only our customers, but also the kids that need help,” said Scott Beck, Beck’s Hybrids Vice President. “We try to recognize those customers who do more for the community outside their farming operations.”

Adoption is not a word that is new to the Beck family or many of their employees. Many have opened their hearts and homes to children in need. “Sponsoring this charity event took on a more personal effect, knowing first-hand the need of children all over the world,” said Beck.

“I was truly surprised that Beck’s had stepped up in such a major way, but I realized how special it was when I heard that Scott and his wife had adopted,” said Anderson.

Every year The Baby Fold has a major fundraising event, but this year the land where the event was typically held was sold. The event typically provided funding to help not only with daily operations, but also to provide Christmas presents and toys for the children. The Anderson family saw a need to help support the agency.

“These kids need someone to be in their corner,” said Nate. “If I can help put food on the table for the children, it’s a pretty special thing.”

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists in implementing activities related to the behavioral/education program, under the direction of certified staff. 
• The Individual Student Aide assists certified staff with behavioral and crisis intervention with the assigned student.
• Assists in collecting and preparing behavioral data on the assigned student to be used in establishing and evaluating the student’s individual educational program.
• Responsible, under the direction of the certified staff, for preparing and organizing materials needed for the daily lesson plan implementation, which includes reading the lesson plans ahead of time, determining which materials were to be used, setting up, and organizing materials at the beginning and end of the day.
• Cooperates with the administrative/supervisory, certified, or other support staff in planning for and scheduling services for the assigned student.
• Attends staffings and meetings to learn/share special information regarding the assigned student.
• Assists the classroom staff in inventory and ordering of supplies necessary to implement the planned education program.
• Attends staff meetings as requested and participates in planning for the needs of the total school program.
• Contributes to quality improvement through active participation in quality improvement activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High School diploma or equivalent and experience serving children with disabilities in an educational or residential setting.
• One year of experience working with children with learning and behavioral disabilities is preferred.
• Physical ability to maintain the safety and well being of children for whom there is responsibility.
• Willingness to work under the direction of the Teacher Therapist in an interdisciplinary team structure.
• Knowledge of utilizing behavioral approaches working with children.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license that has not been revoked or suspended in the past three years and ability to use one’s personal car with adequate insurance for agency travel requirements, including transporting students.
• Must pass drug screen and necessary background checks.
• Demonstrated competence in serving a culturally diverse population.  Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse workforce.
• Mission-oriented and able to apply The Baby Fold’s beliefs and standards to the performance of job duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally team lift and/or move clients up to 150 pounds; and physically restrain aggressive clients according to therapeutic crisis intervention guidelines.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK HOURS:  8:15 A.M. to 2:15 P.M., Monday through Friday on days when school is in session, with an additional hour one day per week.  This is a temporary, part-time position that is contingent on the need for an assignment of an individual student aide within the program. 

LOCATION:  1500 Fort Jesse Rd., Normal, IL 61761

To apply, print out an application and send to:

Human Resources

The Baby Fold

108 E. Willow St.

Normal, IL 61761

Fax: (309) 451-7289 

Applications are also available at this address. 

The Baby Fold is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists in implementing activities related to the behavioral/education program.  The implementation of the activities will be under the direction of the certified staff.  Assists certified staff with behavioral and crisis intervention with students.
• Assists in collecting and preparing behavioral data on each child to be used in establishing and evaluating individual educational programs.
• Responsible, under the direction of the certified staff, for preparing and organizing materials needed for the daily lesson plan implementation, including reading the lesson plans ahead of time, determining which materials were to be used, setting up, and organizing materials at the beginning and end of the day.
• Cooperates with the administrative/supervisory, certified, or other support staff in planning for and scheduling services for students.
• Attends staffings and meetings to learn/share special information regarding children.
• Assists the classroom staff in inventory and ordering of supplies necessary to implement the planned education program.
• Attends Hammitt School staff meetings as requested and participates in planning for the needs of the total school program.
• Contributes to quality improvement through active participation in quality improvement activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High School diploma or equivalent and Paraprofessional certification required.  Additional education preferred.
• One year of experience working with children with disabilities, preferably in an educational or residential setting.
• Willingness and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team structure.
• Knowledge of and skill in utilizing behavioral approaches.
• Must be able to implement non-violent physical crisis intervention techniques according to The Baby Fold’s physical management and crisis intervention procedures.
• Must pass drug screen and necessary background checks.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license that has not been revoked or suspended in the past three years and ability to use one’s personal car with adequate insurance for agency travel requirements, including transporting students preferred.
• Demonstrated competence in serving a culturally diverse population.   Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse workforce.
• Mission-oriented and willing to apply The Baby Fold’s standards and beliefs to the performance of job duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to read, write, talk and hear; sit, stand, or walk;  use hands to type, write, or handle objects, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally team lift and/or move students up to 150 pounds; and physically restrain aggressive students according to therapeutic crisis intervention guidelines. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to visually supervise students and/or other clients for whom there is responsibility.  Must be able to visually assess a student’s well-being.  Also requires close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  Must be able to provide auditory assessments of the mental and emotional condition of a student. 

WORK HOURS:  30 to 32 hours per week, 8:30 A.M. to 2:45 P.M., Monday through Friday, following the Hammitt School calendar, plus an additional 45 minutes for the weekly staff meeting.  Prorated benefits available.  August 2010 start.

LOCATION:  108 E. Willow, Normal, IL 61761

To apply, print out an application and send to:

Human Resources

The Baby Fold

108 E. Willow St.

Normal, IL 61761

Fax: (309) 451-7289 

Applications are also available at this address. 

The Baby Fold is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   

• Provides care and supervision for children enrolled in the residential treatment program. 
• Creates a positive living environment for children, assesses individual treatment needs of children, assists in the development of individual treatment plans, implements treatment plans as approved by the interdisciplinary team, evaluates outcomes of treatment interventions, and ensures the safety of children through constant supervision.
• Ensures children’s medical needs are identified and addressed by communicating medical concerns to appropriate staff, implements standing orders and physicians’ orders, seeks consultation from medical personnel, and seeks emergency medical care when appropriate.
• Completes all required record keeping and data collection.
• Communicates and interacts in a way which is developmentally appropriate, positive, and helpful to the children’s treatment using proper tone, volume, and cadence of voice. Ensures that children’s needs are met and children are protected in emergency situations by following all emergency procedures and notifying appropriate personnel in emergencies.
• Works cooperatively, as part of a team, with other agency staff, external agencies, and children’s families; participates in professional meetings/training; ensures confidentiality; and problem-solves using the agency’s communication model.
• Contributes to quality improvement through active participation in quality improvement activities.

Read the rest of this entry »

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assesses the strengths and needs of families, initially and throughout the period of service provision.
• With the input of client families, plans services and treatments that will strengthen and support the families. 
• In accordance with the service goals, provides mentoring, advocacy, support, and education that will protect children, preserve families and enhance the mental health of children and families alike.
• Provides appropriate therapeutic interventions that will support families and enhance their functioning.
• Completes all required documentation according to agency guidelines for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Represents the agency in a positive light to active and potential clients, referral and funding sources, and the general public. 
• Complies with the Code of Ethics for Child Welfare Professionals and all applicable laws.
• Contributes to quality improvement through active participation in Quality Improvement activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling or a related field and two years of post-graduate experience.
• Knowledge of and skills necessary to apply the principles of child welfare and mental health treatment to specific cases.  
• Willingness to work evening and weekend hours when necessary.
• Demonstrated competence in serving a culturally diverse population.  Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse workforce.
• Physical ability to maintain the safety and well-being of children for whom there is responsibility.
• Must meet DCFS driver eligibility requirements and pass DCFS drug screen and background checks.
• Ability to travel to and enter the homes of families in the service area.
• Ability to use one’s personal car for agency travel requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively with client population.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff within The Baby Fold, as well as with necessary collateral contacts.
• Mission oriented and willing to apply The Baby Fold’s standards and beliefs to the performance of job duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to sit.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK HOURS:  20 hrs/wk; flexible hours; some evenings/weekends required; pro-rated benefits available.

LOCATION:  612 Oglesby, Normal, IL 61761

To apply, print out an application and send to:

Human Resources

The Baby Fold

108 E. Willow St.

Normal, IL 61761

Fax: (309) 451-7289 

Applications are also available at this address. 

The Baby Fold is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:   

• The Residential Treatment Specialist provides care and supervision for children enrolled in the residential treatment program.  
• Creates a positive living environment for children, assesses individual treatment needs of children, assists in the development of individual treatment plans, implements treatment plans as approved by the interdisciplinary team, evaluates outcomes of treatment interventions, and ensures the safety of children through constant supervision.
• Ensures children’s medical needs are identified and addressed by communicating medical concerns to appropriate staff, implements standing orders and physicians’ orders, seeks consultation from medical personnel, and seeks emergency medical care when appropriate.
• Completes all required record keeping and data collection.
• Communicates and interacts in a way which is developmentally appropriate, positive, and helpful to the children’s treatment using proper tone, volume, and cadence of voice.
• Ensures that children’s needs are met and children are protected in emergency situations by following all emergency procedures and notifying appropriate personnel in emergencies.
• Works cooperatively, as part of a team, with other agency staff, external agencies, and children’s families; participates in professional meetings/training; ensures confidentiality; and problem-solves using the agency’s communication model.

Read the rest of this entry »

Some donations really sizzle.

When Rich Buchanan was asked, “How do you top a Meathead burger?” he thought BIG.

Rich was the Bloomington winner of the Meatheads contest looking for the best ways to prepare a burger. His submission, the “Mayor’s Massive Meathead Burger,” included two 100% Angus beef patties, ketchup, mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, grilled onions, swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms & cucumber wasabi sauce.  A tasty treat with LOTS of meat.

For his winning entry, Rich was given a $500 Moolah card, good for eating at any of Meatheads’ 4 Illinois locations.  Rich was kind enough to pass the card on to The Baby Fold to support our children and family services.

The donation will be used to provide meals for children in The Baby Fold’s Residential Treatment Center.  Children living in the RTC have special staff who work individually with the kids and take them out to eat, to a movie, or to the park as rewards for good behavior and to build unique experiences for our children.

Thanks, Rich and Meatheads, for your delicious and generous donation!

To see the rest of the Meatheads winners, visit: http://www.meatheadsburgers.com/pages/contest_winners/37.php