Youth Program/Education Assistant I - Whitaker PRTF

About the position

The Youth Program/Education Assistant I at Whitaker Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) is responsible for providing direct support and facilitating daily programming activities for intellectually and developmentally disabled teens and young adults facing extreme behavioral challenges. This role involves ensuring the safety of individuals, assisting in educational and vocational programming, and promoting independence through various activities and interventions.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and ensure the safety of individuals.
• Assist in educational and/or vocational programming.
• Facilitate indoor/outdoor leisure activities and encourage participation.
• Perform crisis intervention, including de-escalation of aggressive individuals and physical interventions when necessary.
• Facilitate goals in grooming, hygiene, dining, and residential skills to promote independence.
• Participate in community outings.
• Assist individuals in daily living skills while promoting their independence.
• Provide transportation for school, outings, and appointments as needed.
• Write monthly progress notes for goals and record behavior data.
• Coach individuals in social skills, community safety awareness, and problem-solving.

Requirements

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or mental illness.
• Ability to pass and maintain all hospital-required training during the probationary period (including NCVI/APT, CPR, Fire Safety, etc.).
• Current North Carolina State driver's license.
• Physical ability to manage disruptive youth without harm to residents or staff and the ability to lift 50 pounds.

Nice-to-haves

• Associate's degree in human services or a related field from an accredited institution.
• High school diploma or GED with two years of directly related experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance options.
• Standard and supplemental retirement plans.
• Paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• Paid parental leave for eligible employees.