Youth Support Specialist- Kearney

At Hands of Heartland, we believe that individuals with developmental disabilities are people first. We always place the person before the program, striving each day to live out the message our name represents.

Job Summary

Youth Support Specialists provide compassionate care and support to children with developmental disabilities in both home and community settings. This role involves assisting with activities of daily living, engaging in community-based activities, and fostering a safe, supportive family environment. Professionalism is essential, as you will be working directly in the homes of the children and families we serve. Successful candidates will be dedicated, respectful, and committed to enhancing the quality of life for the individuals in their care.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for creating a safe, positive, and encouraging atmosphere for the people we support.
• Provide services to address the wants and needs of people with developmental disabilities, which may include:
• Supporting personal goals
• Teaching daily skills such as household chores, laundry, cleaning, dishes, etc.
• Planning and preparing nutritional meals based on needs and preferences
• Assisting with activities of daily living, such as feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.
• Transporting to and from day program and community outings
• Ensuring groceries, personal care items, and other needed supplies are in stock
• Reinforcing therapies, including speech, behavioral support, and physical therapy
• Administering medications and other medical treatment as delegated by an HOH nurse
• Maintaining knowledge of each person’s specialized needs
• Ensure everyone’s rights are protected and they are treated with dignity and respect.
• Ensure documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner, including but not limited to individual plan data, behavior plan data, community integration logs, assessments, individual funds requests, mileage logs, maintenance requests forms, and supply acquisition forms
• Keep residence – both interior and exterior – and resident personal space clean, organized, and tidy.
• Complete all other duties as assigned

Education & Experience

• Must have a valid driver’s license and clear driving record
• Must be at least 18 years or older
• Current automobile insurance
• Ability to pass registry and background checks
• One year of experience working with children with developmental disabilities or caring for a child in a healthcare setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to handle a variety of situations and personalities
• Must maintain confidentiality and protect individual rights
• Ability to always project a caring and professional image
• Proven skills in communication, observation, problem solving, and time management

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate with other people in-person, by telephone, and in writing
• Ability to use verbal and physical intervention to redirect and/or restrain a person who is physically aggressive or self-abusive
• Ability to safely provide supervision and monitoring to meet the needs of people supported by Hands of Heartland
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time to include but not limited to bending, stooping, sitting, and reaching
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed

Shift and Schedule

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting pay is $17 per hour
• Candidates with prior experience and a valid CNA license are eligible for higher compensation based on qualifications
• Mileage reimbursement and incentive programs available
• Total Rewards package includes but is not limited to the following:
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Insurance Reimbursement Offered
• 401k
• Plus, many more benefits!

If you're ready to build a meaningful career and make a lasting impact in your community, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the Hands of Heartland family!