Team Lead

THE POSITION:
The Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter Team Leader is primarily responsible for the overall safety, care, and nurturance of residents during the shift. Responsible for ensuring that the Shelter environment and shift activities and tasks support the Shelters vision and mission and are carried out in accordance with policies and procedures, and current federal, state and local standards, guidelines, and regulations. Directly responsible for the orientation, supervision, evaluation and direction of direct care staff.

This position will work the following shift:

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and every other Wednesday from 7am-7pm

Key Responsibilities:

Shift Supervision

Coordinate and direct staff and volunteers in the completion of tasks and provision of services according to Shelter and resident need.

Maintain staff accountability for compliance with policies and procedures, licensing regulations, and all other applicable laws and regulations.

Promote professional growth and development of direct care staff through effective training, evaluation, and ongoing supervision/support.

Maintain positive communication between shifts, wings, and team leaders in order to ensure consistency for all staff and residents.

Effectively address attendance and disciplinary issues with direct care staff in a timely manner; accurately and thoroughly document disciplinary actions in a timely manner in accordance with policies and procedures.

Review resident logs, medication logs, supervisor logs, and any other pertinent documentation to ensure accurate, effective communication.

Monitor staffing patterns and direct care staff schedules to assure compliance with all licensing requirements for ratios and that resident and Shelter needs are met; revise or fill open shift positions as needed.

Advocate for resources needed to increase quality of resident care, staff development and satisfaction, and Shelter sustainability; participate in program planning and make recommendations.

Facilitate and ensure the completion of referral, intake, and discharge procedures according to Shelter protocol.

Make certain all tasks unique to the shift are completed during the shift period and that all areas are clean and orderly by the end of the shift.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

Health, Safety, and Supervision

Effectively communicate expectations of direct care staff and how they are linked to program goals in order to ensure the Shelter environment is safe, clean, and supportive of healthy child development.

Coordinate with direct care staff to ensure scheduled and planned activities are carried out; revise schedule, as needed, to meet the needs of the residents and Shelter.

Complete resident intakes and discharges; ensure accurate and complete information is entered into the database; assist in obtaining resident picture and exit interview, as needed.

Ensure each wing is equipped with supplies needed to effectively complete tasks and meet the needs of the residents; request needed items when supplies are depleted.

Identify wings or individual residents in distress or in need of additional supervision/assistance and be present on wing to provide direct support, as time allows.

Practices and models appropriate safety precautions and rules; ensures compliance with safety protocols.

In coordination with the safety director, conduct and document emergency drills.

Identify potential risks in the Shelter environment, notify on-call staff, and intervene appropriately to avoid possible crises.

Oversee the completion of nutrition activities, including preparation and clean-up of meals and snacks, in the absence of nutrition staff.

Arrange transportation for medical and other appointments, as needed; arrange transportation to/from community activities.

Follow approved procedures for storage, administration, and disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medications; conduct and document medication counts to detect errors in administration.

Establish an understanding of medications to be administered to residents, including use, dosage, possible side effects, and interactions; arrange for refills as needed to ensure an adequate supply is maintained.

Monitor any medical conditions and promptly respond to any identified medical or similar needs of all residents.

Adheres to all Shelter policies and procedures.

Child and Youth Development

Understands and applies principles of child and adolescent development and communicates best practice to staff.

Interacts with residents in a manner which is developmentally sensitive and reflects developmental strengths/needs.

Promotes good health, hygiene, and nutritional practices that support health development and illness prevention.

Collaborate with case managers to assess each child's strengths, needs and potential risk factors; ensure the individualized plan for each resident is carried out in order to help them obtain meaningful goals.

Therapeutic Milieu

Promotes an inclusive, respectful environment that embraces diversity.

Interacts with residents in a positive, warm, nurturing manner.

Integrates residents' need for dignity, nurturance, choice, self-management, and privacy into daily activities.

Behavioral Guidance

Models positive, pro-social behaviors which promote responsibility and healthy decision-making.

Provides expectations that are developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive.

Establishes appropriate boundaries and limits on behavior using clear and respectful communication.

Assist resident in learning skills to exercise personal responsibility and effectively resolve conflicts with others.

Communicate behavioral concerns to case manager, participate in development and support direct care staff in implementation of cooperative strategies to manage difficult behaviors.

Ensure direct care staff employ effective techniques of behavior management that minimize the need for physical intervention, providing assistance when needed.

Verbally and non-verbally de-escalates crisis situations in a manner that protects dignity and integrity.

Professionalism

Maintains confidentiality and privacy regarding all residents' information in accordance to Shelter policy and all applicable federal and state laws/regulations.

Carries out work tasks in a way that conforms to and supports the mission, vision, and values of the Shelter as well as professional and ethical standards.

Establish effective professional relationships with direct care staff, peers, support staff, volunteers, leadership, and other professionals.

Attends and participates in mandatory trainings, staff meetings, and all other events, as required.

Sets, maintains, and communicates appropriate personal and professional boundaries.

Answer doors and incoming telephone calls in a professional manner that protects the confidentiality and privacy of residents and staff, per Shelter protocol.

Completes all required documentation in a timely manner per agency procedures.

Recognizes own strengths/limitations and seeks assistance from youth care managers and case managers when needed.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Twenty-one years of age or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; advanced degree or certification in human services field preferred.
• One year experience in human services or related field.
• Proven ability to effectively lead, manage, train, and motivate others; prefer some experience in a supervisory role.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

• Basic proficiency in use of computers and software.
• Effective, professional oral and written communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Flexibility, reliability, and self-motivation.

Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands

The demands described are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Must pass all criminal history and child maltreatment background checks
• Must submit to pre-employment drug screen as well as random drug screens when directed
• Valid driver's license, proof of personal automobile insurance, and acceptable driving record required to drive Shelter vehicle for Shelter business
• Attend and participate in mandatory trainings, staff meetings, and all other events, as required
• Set, maintain and communicate appropriate personal and professional boundaries
• Complete all required documentation in a timely manner per NWACS procedures
• Physical stamina and agility required to care for children of all ages
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds