Youth Care Specialist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for providing a predictable progression of daily activities while establishing structure and continuity for both the youth and staff in accordance with the Covenant House Mission Statement and Philosophy.
• Ensure consistency in the implementation of program policies.
• Work collaboratively with departments to ensure the safety and well-being of all youth in the haven via the provision of adequate staffing and appropriate levels of supervision.
• Provide support and guidance to program staff utilizing the Individualized Solution Process (ISP).
• Maintain a clean and safe environment. Assist and supervise youth in general cleanliness of all residential living and common areas. Ensure that work areas are clean, organized, and secure before, during, and at the end of the shift. Report all maintenance concerns to the Operations Department.
• Act as a primary source contact for managing incidents and ensuring that staff are properly documenting and entering data accordingly while also utilizing the ETO system. Complete all documentation neatly and accurately, and promptly (i.e. bed checks, case notes, incident reports, data entry).
• Communicate with the Administrator On-Call as necessary regarding issues in need of further clarification/direction.
• Supervise youth, maintain order, and exercise appropriate judgment at all. Defuse physical and verbal confrontation with youth, using appropriate verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Ensure services are delivered in a culturally competent manner according to CHF Mission, Principles, and Core Values.
• Communicate pertinent information with staff and youth throughout each shift. Assist the residential and transitional teams with reviewing case notes and shifting daily activities that will help prepare youth to build upon their plan achievements. Communicate respect, mutual support, honesty, and caring to all youth and staff.
• Attend agency meetings and assigned training (minimum of 40 hours per year) to meet agency standards and to remain in compliance with licensing standards.
• Drive company vehicles to transport youth to and from activities, hospital visits, school, and various other appointments, etc.
• Serve in the capacity of Residential Administrator on Duty (RAOD) as needed.
• Establishes appropriate boundaries with youth to ensure staff and youth’s safety and security.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree in human services, psychology, counseling, criminal justice, or social work is required.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of two years of work history and two years of experience working with at-risk youth is preferred. Knowledge of workforce development, life skills, and independent living functions. Experience in crisis intervention and problem-solving.

SCHEDULE:

Requires flexibility with weekly work schedule to meet the needs of youth.

Available schedule:

Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 3:30 pm - 11:00 pm

SKILLS:

• Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work well with others.
• Must have demonstrated ability to maintain order and exercise appropriate judgment in crises including the physical ability to intervene in critical or emergencies.
• Excellent communication skills as demonstrated by concise, timely, and professional correspondence, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated understanding of conflict resolution skills and sensitivity to culturally diverse populations and computer literacy is required.

TRANSPORTATION:

Must have a valid FL driver’s license and good driving record. May need to transport clients/staff if required using agency transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently move about both indoors and outdoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Must be able to lift, carry, or push up to 20 lbs. on occasion, bend, sit, and stand for prolonged periods. Some weekend/holiday work may be required.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:

This position performs supervisory duties and will be part of the supervisor/Residential Administrator on Duty (RAOD) rotation after completion of the probationary period.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Must be able to utilize basic word processing, email, and internet programs. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.