Youth Specialist - Full-time, 2nd shift

Requisition #: req12010

Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

As a Residential Youth Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for providing care and supervising residents in the program. This individual will serve as a resident advocate for assigned residents, while also ensuring that residents' developmental needs are met within a safe and supportive environment that enhances their ability to meet their treatment goals. The Youth Specialist will oversee the resident’s safety as well as the community at large. This individual will develop therapeutic, professional relationships with residents and offer insight into their functioning and participation in program.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively participant in assigned activities and encourage positive interaction and growth amongst the residents;
• Attend bi-monthly meetings with supervisor to discuss job performance, and/or issues or concerns;
• Successful follow the treatment guidelines by intervening in a caring and consistent manner, when the need arises;
• Promptly conduct the nonviolent crisis prevention intervention (CPI) procedure, when necessary;
• Oversee the residents’ daily routines to include but not limited to meal time, study time, outings, bedtime, assigned jobs, and other residential activities;
• Serve as a residential advocate by presenting social history at staff meeting following admission as well as reviewing the legal history, family history, psychological history, school history, and identify and issues or behaviors that would warrant attention in the treatment;
• Provide residential advocacy at staff meetings by updating the team on information related to current level, length of time on that level, date of placement, length of stay, goal attainment percentages from the prior 4 weeks, school progress report, think tank or room restriction time, incident reports, assessment of overall functioning, interaction with peers and staff, and recommendation for new or revised treatment goals;
• Completed other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Minimum of one year of child welfare experience working with children and/or adolescents;
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred;
• Prior experience working with youth in a residential setting, preferred;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks;
• Have the ability to serve as positive role model;
• Demonstrated ability to nurture and provide structure, support, and respect to others;
• Must be able to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team;
• Must be able to pass required medical examinations and have the physical ability to fulfill the essential job functions, including physical restraints of a resident;
• Successfully pass an annual TB test and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization;
• Documentation of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases or the willingness to receive vaccination, or seek an exemption;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.