Are you looking for meaningful work? Do you want to make an impact on the world? Mercy Home for Boys & Girls is looking for you! We have been voted one of the top 100 places to work in Chicago since 2012!

How You’ll Make an Impact:

There is nothing that brings greater life satisfaction than helping others. As a Youth Care Worker, you will act as an advocate, role model and coach for the Youth who live in our residential program. You can change the trajectory of their lives!

Do you have several years of work or volunteer experience working with youth? Are you empathetic with strong listening skills? Are you adaptable and have good communication skills? We want to talk to you!

Schedule: mostly weekday evenings 5p-10p; weekends 8a-4p and 2p-10p; overnights 10p-8a; other shifts vary as needed.

In this Role, you will:

• Maintain DCFS, HR, and Training compliance at all times.

• Check in and communicate with core staff during each shift.
• Provide supportive supervision, guidance, and role modeling for the youth in the milieu.
• Be knowledgeable of each Youth’s Individual Treatment Plans.
• Ensure the Youth's educational, employment and treatment plans are followed.
• Be responsible for timely and accurate communication within program, i.e., incident reports, contact with Youth's families, supervision, and all log entries.
• Contact on-call Supervisor as needed.
• Contact Youth’s families as needed.
• Engage with youth in daily routines and activities.
• Support creative interventions for the youth.
• Participate in monthly supervision meetings.
• Provide transportation for Youth as necessary.
• Employ all aspects of de-escalation and behavior management techniques as outlined in CPI protocol.
• Support and employ programs medication management system.
• Learn, align with, and execute the treatment philosophies, modalities and practices of the Agency.

What we need from you:

• At least 21 years of age.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least two years of experience working with youth.
• A valid Illinois driver’s license, ability to drive a van, maintain a clear driving record, and retain driving approval through the department of Children and Family Services.
• Ability to work a minimum of at least 16 hours per month
• Willing and available to pick up shifts as needed.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to work both independently and as an active team member.

• Ability to accept, adopt, and implement feedback from supervisor and team.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor while exercising judgment and discretion in work.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as the ability to become proficient in other software packages and programs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to attend required Agency trainings and maintain necessary training compliance. Flexibility to attend daytime trainings or sessions.

• Ability and willingness to create, initiate and participate in recreational and therapeutic activities with the youth.

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds, and with proper training, be able to physically restrain youth.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of the Agency.
• Pay differential for weekend hours!

Why You Will Love Working Here:

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls prioritizes professional development and training to support our co-workers. Mercy Home for Boys & Girls is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to Diversity and Inclusion