About the position
The Youth Care Specialist (YCS) at Marie Detty Youth & Family Service Center Inc. plays a crucial role in the daily supervision and support of residents, ensuring that all client needs are met in a caring and open-minded manner. This position involves implementing the daily program schedule and organizing activities that help youth develop socially appropriate behaviors. The YCS is responsible for maintaining strict confidentiality regarding client identities and records, adhering to policies for documenting and reporting any suspected child abuse or neglect as mandated by law. Professional boundaries and healthy relationships with clients are essential, as is the ability to manage crisis situations effectively while following program policies. In addition to direct supervision, the YCS will implement treatment plan goals and services tailored to each resident. This includes supervising family visits, transporting clients to various activities, and maintaining accurate documentation such as shift notes, incident reports, and medication logs. The YCS is also responsible for educating residents on emergency safety procedures and ensuring the facility remains clean and organized. Punctuality and alertness during shifts are critical, especially during inclement weather, and the YCS must complete a minimum number of training hours annually to maintain compliance with program requirements. The role requires a commitment to understanding and applying agency policies, demonstrating dependability, and displaying cultural competency. The YCS must interact professionally with clients and colleagues, maintain appropriate boundaries, and effectively communicate concerns. Knowledge of child and adolescent development principles, trauma-informed care, and de-escalation techniques is vital for success in this position. The YCS will engage youth in activities that promote empowerment and community involvement, while also identifying and mitigating potential safety risks to protect both clients and staff.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for daily supervision of residents and assisting in assuring that all client needs are met.
- Communicate with residents in an open-minded, caring way.
- Implement the daily program schedule and organize activities with residents throughout scheduled shifts.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all client identities, records, and information.
- Understand and adhere to policy and procedure for documenting and reporting any suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.
- Maintain professional boundaries and healthy staff to client working relationships.
- Manage crisis situations and behavior support while following program policies.
- Daily implementation of treatment plan goals and services for each resident.
- Supervise client family visits and other contact as needed.
- Transport clients to school and activities as required.
- Maintain complete and accurate shift notes, incident reports, staff logs, medication logs, and vehicle/mileage logs daily.
- Answer telephone calls in a professional manner and document in the call log.
- Ensure that bed checks are completed and search protocols are followed consistently.
- Educate residents on emergency safety procedures and drills.
- Keep the facility clean and assist in meal and snack preparation.
- Be punctual for all scheduled shifts and remain alert and awake at all times.
- Complete the required minimum number of training hours per year (24 hours/full-time; 12 hours/part-time).
- Perform other duties as required by program needs.
Requirements
- Must be 21 years old.
- Prefer Bachelor's degree in a mental health related field with at least one year of experience.
- Minimum of a high school diploma/GED with adequate education, training, and experience.
- Demonstrate strong writing, verbal, and organizational skills.
- Must have a valid driver's license and telephone.
- Ability to lift at least 25 lbs.
- Ability to physically restrain residents if necessary (training is provided).
- Must pass FBI background investigation.
- Ability to communicate with and advocate on behalf of residents.
- Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
- Ability to assess situations, identify potential safety issues, and independently initiate safe interventions.
- Must be able to attend mandatory trainings and monthly staff meetings as scheduled.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in a mental health related field.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.
Benefits
- Overtime eligibility as per Fair Labor Standards Act.
- Training and development opportunities.
