Direct Support Staff - Youth Programs

Help Transform the Lives of our Youth

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of youth who have experienced trauma? Are you dedicated to providing compassionate support and empowering them to heal and thrive? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you!

Spero Family Services is looking for dedicated and caring individuals to join our team as Direct Support Staff for our Youth Programs. As a Direct Support Staff, you will play a crucial role in providing guidance, mentorship, and support to the youth we serve. While our primary focus is to support the youth’s mental health needs, we also provide opportunities for growth in spirituality, social skills, education, life skills, and recreation both on and off campus. This would be a great opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in the social services/social work field and be part of a mission driven organization.

This position will be a float position and may require work in various programs and shifts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct Care: Responsible for the direct supervision of youth in assigned program(s). Duties may include engaging with clients by teaching and role-modeling positive self-care and life skills necessary to be self-sufficient, administering medications, and ensuring all specialized supervision plans are being maintained and followed at all times.
• Program Operations: Assist with the day-to-day operations of the program and ensure daily care, welfare, safety and security of all youth. Duties may include providing transportation, implementing Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) as required, and ensuring the home is maintained and clean.
• Treatment Culture: Ensure the program activities, groups, and programming align with the agency’s CARE philosophy. Work to become well educated in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and CARE principles in order to help youth learn appropriate regulation skills and to identify teaching opportunities for employees and youth.
• Documentation: Ensure all documentation and reports are accurate and completed in a timely manner. Duties may include disciplinary reports, medication logs, and other documentation as needed.

Requirements: Must have a High School Diploma or GED and be at least 25 years of age OR have a Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services field and be at least 21 years old. Must have a valid Illinois driver’s license. MHP qualified and previous experience in 24/7 care preferred.

Skills: Must have good written and verbal communication skills, basic computer skills, and the ability to work individually and as a team. Must be able to interact with, and relate to, diverse groups of people.

Miscellaneous: Must pass all pre-employment drug screens, health screens, and background clearances. Must maintain driving clearances.

Program Population: The youth in these programs have a complexity of mental health issues/disorders. The focus of the program is to provide crisis stabilization/management, behavioral management, necessary life skills.

Pay: $21.10 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Referral program

Application Question(s):

• Are you at least 21 years old?
• All employees are required to complete a background check prior to being hired. Any issues with that?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• IL Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21