Substitute Care and Support Specialist

SCHEDULE: Substitute workers work on an as-needed, sporadic basis. There is no guarantee of scheduled hours. Because the program is staffed 24-hours per day, 365 days per year, substitute workers must have some flexibility in their availability and, generally, must be able to work overnight shifts, as well as weekends and holidays. Substitute workers are expected to keep their supervisor(s) informed of their availability and any changes in their availability and are expected to respond to requests to fill shifts according to work-site policy and/or procedures. Substitute workers who do not work for 6 consecutive months are normally removed from the employment rolls. However, this schedule may be adjusted according to the needs of the program.

WAGE/BENEFITS: $20.60 per hour (plus potential $0.50 Spanish language differential). Ineligible for benefits except as required by law.

Applications for all positions may be forwarded to appropriate similar positions within Janus Youth Programs. Positions may vary by location, pay structure, union, and supervisory staff.

The Substitute Care & Support Specialist position requires extensive flexibility and availability in order to provide relief coverage for a variety of shifts, particularly overnights, during both the week and on weekends. The position provides security, supervision and crisis management at both the downtown shelters and at a transitional living residence. The primary responsibility is to provide a safe, secure, nurturing environment, and guidance for residents/guests who traditionally have been reluctant to access services.

QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education, experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.

• Prior experience working with high-risk youth and people experiencing homelessness is preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma and trauma’s impact on homeless/street dependent youth is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent education, experience and training that demonstrates knowledge and ability necessary to successfully perform job duties and responsibilities is preferred.

REQUIRED ABILITIES:

• Ability to work effectively in the following areas: cultural diversity, team-dependent models; crisis management; systematic theory; Community Youth Development approach; and adolescent development. Ability to work effectively may be demonstrated through academic experience, job experience, references, and interview answers.
• Genuine concern for young people and the ability to treat all people with dignity and respect, and openness to learning and implementing a Positive Youth Development approach to youth work.
• Must value working in a multicultural/diverse environment.
• A commitment to on-going training and a willingness to receive and act upon feedback.
• Ability to climb at least two flights of stairs.
• Ability to stay awake and alert throughout entire assigned shift.
• Ability to accurately read, record, and interpret information and maintain paper and computerized information.
• Ability to provide visual and auditory supervision of program and youth.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally with a broad variety of people, including staff, supervisors and management.
• Ability to stay calm and emotionally available in an environment serving at-risk and troubled youth.
• Ability to exercise independent discretion and judgment within program guidelines.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-dependent environment and to act on the agenda of the program.
• Ability to exercise tact, discretion and judgment in working with a variety of people.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries in working with others and in handling confidential information.
• Ability to effectively monitor safety and demonstrate group management skills and effectively de-escalate potentially chaotic or volatile situations.
• Ability to regularly attend scheduled shift, be punctual for scheduled shift and meetings, and be in a condition suitable for assuming responsibilities of position.
• Ability to problem solve, exercise independent judgment within program guidelines, and respond to crisis situations.
• Manual dexterity allowing use of computer keyboard.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Driving is not required. All employees who drive for work purposes must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for state of residency, have a driving record that permits coverage under the corporate auto liability policy, and complete the agency’s driving approval process before driving for work. If driving a personal vehicle for work purposes drivers must also have personal auto liability coverage ($100,000/$300,000 levels strongly recommended). Employees are not to drive for work purposes until they have received written authorization to do so.
• Bloodborne Pathogens training is required on first day of employment and annually thereafter.
• Must complete Mandatory Abuse Training within the first 30 days of employment and annually thereafter.
• Provides emergency first-aid, as needed, and must have and maintain standard first-aid/CPR certification.
• Must pass criminal history background check.
• TB clearance within 30 days of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May involve exposure to communicable diseases, including a variety of illnesses and infections such as the common cold, TB, Hepatitis, flu, meningitis, and HIV.
• May involve exposure to upset, angry, severely traumatized or emotionally disturbed children, adolescents and families.
• May involve time in excess of routine schedule and/or overtime, including evening/overnight, weekend hours, and/or holidays.
• May require working and providing services at locations other than program site (i.e., restaurant, café’, clients’ apartments, etc.,) and may, therefore, be exposed to environments not under agency control (i.e., second-hand smoke, varying hygiene practices, etc.).

This position description is intended to give the reader a general idea of the overall purpose and the main activities and responsibilities that are intrinsic to this position. While this description is intended to be representative, it is not intended to be limiting.