APAC YOUTH CARE WORKER

The Alternative Placement Adolescent Center (APAC) is a 24/7 facility.  Candidates must have the ability to work a flexible schedule (days, evening, weekends).

SUMMARY: The Youth Care Worker is responsible for the daily operation, direct supervision of the residents in the APAC shelter.  The Youth Care Worker shall provide a safe, secure, and caring environment for up to 8 gender specific youth within a 24/7/365 work environment.  They will work a scheduled shift and be on a “On Call” rotated list to accommodate staff sick calls and facility emergencies. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following for a Youth Care Worker.  Other duties may be assigned.

Admission- Obtain paperwork, from the referral source, properly and properly use a case management system.   Collect and inventory all personal property, fully understand the process of admission. Complete admission paperwork as set out by licensing requirements (PRLU) and facility guidelines.  

Facility Functions- shall be able to use and understand all building functions of in the facility for safety and activity purposes.  

Supervision of Youth - must maintain a reasonable line of sight and hearing of the youth based on their needs and circumstances.  Youth shall be properly supervised 24 /7 according to licensing standards and assist with their basic needs (physical, emotional, and spiritual).  

Transportation of Residents- must maintain a respectful driving record to be determined by the administrative team.  Required at times to take and return youth to their appointments as directed.     

Maintenance of Residents and Facility- shall ensure all facility conditions are safe and healthy.   Shall ensure the youth are provided a minimum of 3 balanced meals daily and additional snacks and beverages according to licensing standards. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Applicants must be a minimum of 21 years of age.  Individuals must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily after released from training. Must maintain a valid driver’s license.  Must have and provide proof of current automobile insurance.

Applicants must meet the Licensing Staff Qualifications and Training requirements under Section 105 of the “Minimum Licensing Standards for Child Welfare Agencies” (PRLU).

Applicants are required to have the necessary background investigations which align with State Licensing standards and Benton County hiring authority.  Shall not have any felony conviction or legal infractions causing alarm to the employer. 

SAFETY/SECURITY SENSITIVE POSITION: This position is designated as safety/security sensitive and is subject to pre- employment, reasonable suspicion and random drug and alcohol screening

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

The minimum acceptable level of education is a high school diploma or GED.    

One or more years working with adolescents in out of home placement or professional setting is desirable. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Shall be responsible for understanding the State Licensing guidelines of supervising youth in a shelter environment.   They shall also ensure all youth are free from harm.  

Youth Care Worker is a mandated reporter. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

The minimum acceptable level of education is a high school diploma or GED.    Additionally, one or more years working with adolescents in out of home placement or professional setting is desirable. 

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Must be able to communicate with outside agencies, parents, visitors, and stakeholders on a professional level.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision and hearing abilities required by this job include the ability to use close vision in use with large amount of computer screen work. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The environment can be described as “energetic” or even” stressful” due to potential close quarters of youth and staff in proximity.   Shall understand this environment can be exposed to infectious conditions due to the population it serves.   Additionally, shall be responsible for immediately reporting any concern of a hazardous condition within the facility.