YOUTH WORKER

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide 24/7 “eyes on” client supervision, including ensuring compliance with the daily schedule and maintaining program structure.
• Actively engage with youth during the shift.
• Support youth in moving through the level system.
• Develop and model effective relationships and behaviors with youth, co-workers, and the treatment team.
• Ensure that residents are provided with quality care in matters of health, safety, clothing, hygiene, and meals, and provide immediate therapeutic crisis intervention as needed.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the program’s mission by supporting a safe, orderly, caring, and therapeutic environment.
• Accompany youth to school, appointments, and court.
• Appropriately confront negative behaviors whenever they occur.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum possession of a High School Diploma or GED required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Previous experience in group work involving direct care and interaction with children.
• Must successfully complete Safety Crisis Management (SCM) training, including a written test and demonstration of competency in physical restraints as specified by the program and regulatory bodies. Continued employment requires successful completion of all SCM refreshers.
• The ability to work varied hours as required.
• A valid driver’s license from NY, NJ, or CT is required.
• Must be able to provide excellent references.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS

• Must be a team player.
• Must demonstrate strong sensitivity to cultural differences, including sexual orientation and identity, among staff and clients.
• Must possess a strong belief in individuals’ ability to grow and change and be able to forge mutually respectful partnerships with clients and their families.
• Ability to set limits, maintain the practitioner’s helping role, and intervene appropriately.
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with youth and coworkers.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Participate in staff and/or team meetings.
• Complete Safe Crisis Management training and all required refreshers.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work takes place in a residential setting with juveniles.
• Employees must be able to work effectively and efficiently in a demanding environment.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

• Expected to work within a collaborative partnership.