Care Worker

Summary/ObjectiveTo be a warm, loving, trauma-informed, and professional parental model in the life of a child from a difficult place.

ScopeResponsible for implementing Trauma Based Informed principles with all children in Azleway’s care.

Position DetailsFLSA Status: Non-Exempt
FTE Status (Full-Time, Part-Time, PRN, etc.): Full-Time
Pay Method: Hourly, Twice Monthly
Department: Valley View
Division: GRO
Location: Tyler, TX
Reports to: Program Director
Supervises: N/A
Work Schedule: Shift as assigned

Essential Job Functions

1. Accurately document both positive and problematic behaviors of residents to supervisor and other care team members.
2. Exhibit and model a desire for continuous growth and professional development as evidenced by: (a) Participation in all weekly staff meetings and professional development activities. (b) Participate in weekly one-on-one meetings with direct supervisor. (c) Attend required TBRI training meetings. (d) Learn and implement TBRI approaches to working with children from difficult backgrounds. (e) Attend seminars and trainings as assigned. (f) Embrace a philosophy of continuous improvement by taking coaching and feedback with an attitude to learn and continually grow.
3. Work with each resident and assist in daily living activities including but not limited to: (a) Ensuring residents are appropriately dressed for their activities per the employee handbook. (b) Developing and maintaining healthy habits including eating, sleeping, dressing, etc.
4. Provide a nurturing environment for all residents. This includes, but is not limited to the following: (a) Provide opportunity for residents to be heard and to voice their concerns. (b) Refraining from using any profanity in front of residents. (c) Modeling positive ways of handling frustrations and working with authority.
5. Care Workers understand that Azleway, Inc. operates a non-smoking campus. Smoking is not allowed on the facility premises.
6. Ensure residents make all appointments promptly and on time. This includes on campus and off campus activities. Care Workers coordinate with their supervisors to ensure schedules are worked out prior to events so as to model punctuality to all residents.
7. As a faith-based operation, Care Workers will respect the beliefs of all residents and encourage spiritual development.
8. Understand and comply with regulatory requirements as outlined in company policies and procedures.
9. Encourage, promote and aid residents in academic pursuits by helping with homework and providing additional educational experiences as directed by supervisor.
10. Coordinate daily routines and involve residents in menu planning, food preparation, laundry, clothing, housekeeping and administering medications as prescribed.
11. Be responsible for overall cottage operation while on duty as evidenced by: (a) Supervision of residents by the Care Worker is required at all times. (b) Informing supervisor of any property repair needs immediately.
12. Care Workers maintain professional integrity and objectivity when working with residents, providing all residents with equitable and gracious care.
13. Transport residents to all appointments on time. If a medical appointment, Care Workers provide appropriate documentation to designated persons. If no person is designated, return documents to Program Director.
14. Maintain kitchen stock of food items. Make purchases within budget and properly document purchase as applicable.
15. Ensure residents attend scheduled campus activities on time.
16. Be proactive, bringing new and fresh ideas to the team. Contributing ideas about how to optimize personal job functions and duties.
17. Have a team-oriented approach.
18. Lead and participate in recreational activities for the residents. Develop activities for residents in collaboration with other staff during shift change.
19. Care Workers take breaks at designated times, but otherwise will be engaged working actively with residents.
20. Care Workers will utilize Azleway technology to remain up-to-date on incidents, company announcements, emails, and documentation. Employees are expected to sign in to their email at least once daily and are expected to respond promptly.
21. Care Workers ensure incident reports and daily progress notes are entered into the child placement software system.
22. Must be able to use a computer effectively including, but not limited to typing, reporting, checking email no less than once per day.
23. Applies appropriate use of physical restraints in compliance with safety training in the event that a resident becomes a hazard to themself or others..
24. Care Workers must be able to communicate clearly through the written word for purposes of maintaining documentation and modeling writing skills and abilities with residents when helping with school work.
25. Care Workers maintain a positive attitude and professionalism while in the workplace and while representing the organization in the community.

CompetenciesProficient in communication, both verbal and written. Able to connect with others in a nurturing manner. Has a strong person-centered focus. Strong ethical considerations and conduct.

Supervisory ResponsibilityThis position has no supervisory responsibilities over other employees, but may lead certain processes as described above with captain duties as assigned. Care Workers are also responsible for the constant supervision of all children placed in their care.

Work ScheduleThe facility is a 24-hour facility. There are different shifts, one of which will be assigned. Position may require work on holidays, weekends, or both.

Work EnvironmentThe Care Worker position is exposed to youth with complex histories of trauma, abuse, and neglect, as such there will be situations where residents may become emotional or hostile. This role uses standard office equipment and requires use of computers, phones, copiers, filing cabinets, emails, medication, and fax machines.

Physical DemandsThe employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While a last resort, the Care Worker may be required to perform physical restraints utilizing provided training techniques.

TravelOccasional travel is expected for this position, but is generally local and specific to taking youth to activities, events, and appointments. Occasional trips out of town may be necessary to transport residents to other facilities or placements.

Required Education and ExperienceThis position requires a high-school diploma per DFPS standards.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Preferred Education.Associate's or Bachelor’s degree preferred in area of human development, psychology, counseling, coaching, communication, biology, social work, or related field.
• Work Experience. Experience preferred in trauma work. Understanding of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) philosophy and methods. Work in schools or treatment facilities is also welcome.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

• Driver’s License.Care Workers must have a valid Texas Driver's License with a clear driving record. Care Workers must also maintain this status throughout their employment in this position as the position requires driving youth as a critical function. Applicants must be 23 years of age in order to drive company vehicles.
• Authorized to Work in the United States.Azleway requires all employees to lawfully reside in the United States of America and be authorized to work.

EEO StatementAzleway is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, Azleway prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Azleway conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.