Lead Youth Treatment Specialist
Specialized Services Division – Residential Care Center, Type II

Position Summary: The Lead Youth Treatment Specialist provides two essential roles within the Residential Care Center. The first role is being responsible for direct care, nurturing and supervision of youth to ensure their needs met. The second role is to lead shifts, ensure staff are trained and meeting the needs of the youth, and all staff are following the policies/procedures of the Residential Care Center. Responsible for supervising and managing the shift such as implementing the daily schedule of activities, group educational activities, recreational activities, follow up individually with youth, serve as a mentor and role model for youth.

Essential Functions:

Youth Treatment Specialist Duties:

• Work in the milieu supporting therapeutic interactions by coaching skill use through daily activities, modeling appropriate behavior, teaching and reinforcing use and generalization of skills through a token economy system.
• Use evidence-based best practices for youth with mental health, substance use and life needs. This includes the innovative Integrated Treatment Model (ITM) including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma informed care, motivational interviewing, youth centered, and culturally reverent approaches while celebrating youth’s development and diversity.
• Co-facilitate Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups and other group topics pertaining to healthy relationships, fatherhood, independent living skills, substance use education, and cultural identity development curriculums.
• Organize, participate, and monitor scheduled activities for youth (one-to-three) engaging them in specific activities both on-site and off-site programming including but not limited to various clubs, school, art activities, recreation, community outings, and field trips.
• Support youth’s education by serving as a learning coach in the classroom on-site and at school through an interactive, and competency-based education model.
• Provide sight and sound supervision to youth and families with complex needs.
• Maintain youth and family confidentiality within all written and verbal communication.

Lead Youth Treatment Specialist Duties:

• Provide leadership and role model responsibilities for Youth Treatment Specialists.
• Supervise Youth Treatment Specialists on shift to ensure programming is carried out for youth and treatment is being implemented.
• Work with supervisor to write and deliver staff performance evaluations, staff coaching and disciplinary actions.
• Facilitate field training for new staff on shift in collaboration with program leadership.
• Lead shift transition meetings, monthly staff meetings and attend consultation team and management meetings.
• Provide shift coverage for staff for vacations, call-ins and staff shortages.
• Administer medication as prescribed and document accordingly.
• Complete documentation pertaining to shift reports, critical incident reporting, and approve communication logs within required timeframes.
• Collaborate closely with leadership team to develop programming, monitor compliance, and carry out performance improvement projects.
• Follow the WCS Leadership Code of Conduct.
• Adhere to state licensing requirements.
• Adhere to WCS Policies and Procedures
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimal Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent, bachelor's degree preferred.
• Be at least 21 years old (at least 2 years older than the oldest resident).
• Schedule requires flexibility with a rotation of first and second shifts including weekend coverage.
• A minimum of one year of experience serving children with mental health needs.
• Working knowledge of computer applications preferred.
• Ability to display cultural competence by responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of youth and their families.
• Knowledge and skills to work with youth age 13-17.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements preferred.
• Meet all the employee requirements including references, criminal background check, drug test, and driver’s license check.

Work Relationship and Scope:

Reports directly to Youth Treatment Specialist Clinical Supervisor and works closely with the Bakari Center Team. Direct interaction with the youth being served by the program and their families, project partners, and Milwaukee County.

Personal Attributes: Follow agency Code of Conduct and adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources including Milwaukee County Division of Youth and Family Services, Wraparound Milwaukee, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Corrections. Conduct self in an ethical manner. Maintain professional and respectful relationships with all WCS staff, youth and families, and all external funding sources and community partners involved with Bakari Center. Show sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic, and disability needs. Embrace and demonstrate a commitment to agency values and mission.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of positive child/youth development; patience and understanding of difficult life situations; the ability to interact with youth and/or parents in a calm and professional manner; ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations; perform basic computer functions; use time efficiently and effectively; ability to multi-task.

Working Conditions:

• State-Licensed Residential Care Center, Type II
• Most of the work is done throughout the building, in the community.
• Local travel as required fulfilling essential functions of the position.
• Ability to provide coverage as needed.
• Ability to serve youth who have experienced a great deal of trauma and express their needs through behaviors.

Schedule:

• Full-time or part-time
• Flexible schedule, a rotation of first (8:00am-4:00pm) and second shifts (3:00pm-11:00pm)
• Weekend rotation required
• Holiday rotation required (premium for working holidays)

Physical Demands: Duties require activity while supporting or interacting with youth in the program. Staff may be required to use (trained) physical interventions if there is immediate physical harm posed to youth or staff. Ability to lift 30 pounds. Driving is required.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• serving youth with mental health needs: 1 year (Required)
• working with youth, ages 13 - 17: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• driver's license with insured vehicle (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)
• Night Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person