Youth Support Specialist

SUMMARY:

The purpose of this position is to ensure the safety and well-being of each youth participating in the program through proper utilization of behavior management techniques, following all safety protocols and ensuring the facility meets all safety standards. The Youth Support Specialist is responsible for providing the direct day-to-day care to the youth while teaching them appropriate social skills and implementing the youths' care / behavior management plans. The YSS will have an understanding of human development and psychological theory which is affected by trauma. At times, Youth Support Specialist may be asked to work on other units / programs to support the safety and security of all youth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Establish a therapeutic environment that emphasizes the physical and emotional safety of youth that reside in the program. Provide therapeutic and skill building interventions, as dictated by the youth’s care, supervision and/or behavior management plans, in individual and group settings.
• Follow protocol as it relates to ensuring client safety including the use of de-escalation techniques and adherence to the behavior management / clinical model.
• Review and understand established supervision and safety plans as defined by the clinical team. Must follow the plans to assure clients safety.
• Must maintain certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, unless otherwise specified by the program’s Senior Vice President.
• The Youth Support Specialist must work collaboratively with the shift supervisor who is providing the clinical and behavioral oversight of the shift. Directives given by the supervisor are to be carried out promptly and correctly.
• Perform all duties associated with day-to-day safety, teachings, modeling and guidance of the youth, including implementation of each youth's care / behavior management plan.
• Monitor and supervise youths' behaviors and whereabouts at all times, including outside of the shelter on activity. The staff must have a DCFS background clearance to be left alone with any client.
• Transport clients to school, appointments, recreational activities, other locations, etc. in agency van or personal vehicle as prescribed by the Manager on Duty or designee. The staff must have DCFS driver’s clearance to transport any of the clients.
• Facilitate and participate in regular client house meetings and document accordingly.
• Assist the Care Coordinator, or designee, with any case management related activity on behalf of a client.
• Ensure the facility is maintained according to all safety standards. This may include light household duty and/or maintenance (i.e. cleaning, food storage, changing light bulbs, etc.).
• Complete all necessary paperwork and documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
• Engage in all offered training, consultations and supervisions made available.

WORK HOURS

• Adhere to the posted schedule and remain flexible as it relates to schedule changes based on program need.
• Willing to work outside the assigned shift (7am-3pm, 12pm-8pm, 3pm-11pm, 4pm-12am, 11pm-7am or 12am-8am) in the event of an emergency or shortage as assigned by Supervisor.
• Report to work on time and fully prepared to engage in all job responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• A minimum High School Diploma and/or GED is required. Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 1-2 years of experience in congregate care/group home facilities such as residential, hospital, and juvenile justice, settings is also strongly preferred.
• Similar experience with DCFS youth in care will also be considered.
• We will consider volunteer experience with references.

We offer competitive wages, benefits, education assistance and career advancement opportunities!

All DCFS youth in care which includes, but not limited to, victims of abuse or neglect and human trafficking, youth exhibiting high levels of aggression, criminal involvement, depression, self-harm, anxiety, low self-esteem, traumatization, low cognitive levels, etc.. The youth served in our subacute unit are at a higher level of need. Many of the youth are placed directly with us from a hospital setting or similar setting.

Aunt Martha’s is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.