The position is responsible for identifying and meeting the everyday needs of traumatized youth including regular housekeeping, chores, cooking, food, shelter, security, personal hygiene, and health services. The work involves teaching daily living skills, modeling socially accepted behaviors, providing structure and limits, and providing guidance and consistency to the activities of youth in our residential program. The work also involves participation in house and therapeutic groups and recreational activities. This position is responsible for implementing program polides and procedures to everyday activities.

This position demonstrates commitment to the mission, vision and values of the agency by engaging in respectful, cooperative and healthy relationships with clients, coworkers and external stakeholders; being accountable for providing services and ensuring safety to clients with empowering clients in achieving the agency's mission.

Direct Care will be supervised by the Direct Care Managers.

Duties

The Direct Care is responsible for providing direct care by observing, assessing, and reporting on the client's feelings and behavior. In addition, he/she is responsible for assisting in implementing the decided upon treatment plan and providing a safe and suitable home-like environment. These responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

1. To be an appropriate role model to youth and provide safe and effective trauma response solutions.
2. Transport clients to and from appointments, court and other activities as needed.
3. Assist in preparing meals when needed.
4. Keep records as required by Missouri Girls Town and contracts.
5. Assist in keeping the house clean and in good condition.
6. Assist with homework as needed.
7. Teach and assist with client responsibilities surrounding house chores and daily living skills.
8. Work with the Recreational Director to assure all recreational requirements are met on a weekly basis.
9. Actively participate in client recreational, clinical and house activities (groups, crafts, activities, and games).
10. Develop appropriate, caring, and helpful adult interactions with clients.
11. Attend training required to meet contract requirements.
12. Develop and maintain good working relationships with other staff thus helping to facilitate a constructive and helpful atmosphere for the clients to observe and emulate.
13. Reading of house communication log on a daily basis. (Initial communication log or other notes left by Management, Clinical or Administration to document information has been received.)
14. Ensure all documentation is completed before leaving each shift worked.
15. Understand and work within the module of therapy utilized for the program.
16. Maintain adequate staff coverage for the safety of clients and personnel by completing scheduled and assigned on call rotation coverage
17. Additional duties will be assigned by Missouri Girls Town Managers, Human Resources, and the Associate or Executive Director. (House checklists, etc.)

Qualifications
1. Minimum Age of 21 Years.
2. High School Diploma or GED is required. Completion of at least 60 hours of college training with major course work in the social sciences is desirable.
3. Class E Driver's License (Must be obtained before the end of probationary period.)
4. Ability to pass a Family Care Safety Registry screening and no criminal records which reflect felony convictions or a history of abuse.
5. Ability to lift ten pounds.
6. Handle with Care Certified. An emphasis on verbal de-escalation is mandatory, but the ability to perform the physical restraints as the last option in order to keep clients safe from themselves or others is essential. (Must be obtained before the end of probationary period.)
7. CPR and First Aid Certification (Must be obtained before the end of probationary period).
8. Ability to demonstrate caring, tolerance, and patience when dealing with traumatized youth.
9. Ability to demonstrate understanding of philosophy, policies and procedures, strategies and programs of Missouri Girls Town.
10. Ability to work and communicate effectively with both staff and clients.
11. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of all clients.
12. Ability to be on time and dependable.
13. Ability to work scheduled on call rotation.
14. Ability to work independently with little supervision.
15. Ability to adapt to change and crisis