Per Diem Child Care Worker

Job Title: Per Diem Child Care Worker

Department:   Youth Reception Center/Agency Operated Boarding Home

Reports To: Shift Supervisor/Residence Manager

About Rising Ground

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 72,000 individuals annually. We do this through 101 programs across 138 sites, throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity is shown not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in New York City.

About the Role 

Provides for the basic needs, health and safety of residents. Assists youth in following therapeutic programming and meeting individual treatment goals. 

What You’ll Do

• Maintain Health and Safety of Residents 
• Actively and diligently supervise youth at all times; both in the cottage and when escorting on campus or during off-grounds programming. 
• Utilize the appropriate techniques of behavior management and crisis intervention as taught in TCI. 
• Remain sensitive and understanding in difficult and stressful situations; keeping client’s needs and feelings in perspective. 
• Provide timely written documentation (e.g., critical incidents, BIR’s, conflict resolution forms) and oral communication of events. Perform Life Space Interviews as trained. 
• Access /communicate with other team members (i.e., medical and clinical) as necessary to ensure the health and safety of residents. 
• Maintain / inspect the cottage to ensure no health or safety hazards exist. Remove or report concerns as necessary.
• Report any observed violations of code of conduct to supervisor immediately (i.e, inappropriate sexual behaviors or physical aggression between co-workers and youth). Provide written documentation if requested.

What You’ll Do

Program Delivery

• Supervise, assist, and teach residents to perform all activities of daily living, including self-care, chores, etc. 
• Initiate, support and escort residents to planned recreation and other therapeutic educational activities. Look for ways to improve the daily structure, coordination, and overall program implementation. This includes driving an agency vehicle if deemed certified, as needed/expected. 
• Implement PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support) System fully and in accordance with training. At all times model the core values of ROAR (respect, on task, act safely and be responsible) and frame corrections of student behaviors in a positive way. Professional Practice 
• Arrive to work on time; respecting other shift workers and programmatic needs. 
• At all times model the appropriate dress, speech and behavior for residents. This includes dressing professionally or in designated work uniforms/dress code if prescribed.
• Professionally representing the agency when speaking with parents, community members or other stakeholders. 
• Respect the privacy of all individuals and maintain client confidentiality as prescribed by law and in Agency policies. 
• Utilize Agency monies when provided only for prescribed activities. Maintain appropriate receipts. 
• Assume expected role on treatment team and maintain collaborative relations with members. 
• Become knowledgeable and utilize all RTC policies and procedures. 
• Attend all mandatory or recommended staff development workshops/trainings. 
• Demonstrate organizational commitment which includes supporting and understanding.

Your Qualifications

• High School/GED 
• A safe driving record as determined by NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. Preferred Education and Experience: 
• Experience in a Residential Treatment Center working with adolescents.
• Must have a minimum 3 dedicated days a week for per diem status. 

Supervisory Responsibility 

No

Work Environment 

Field

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work 

Varied, per diem – will be a part of an all call per diem pool. Possible shifts: 8am-4pm, 4pm-12am, 12am-8am, 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am.

Physical Demands: Must be able to pass and execute the physical portion of Therapeutic Criss Intervention. 

Additional Requirements: 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.