Youth Specialist

Position Description

Title: Youth Specialist

Department:  Residential Services

Immediate Supervisor:  Shift Supervisor/Coordinator

FLSA Status:  Non-exempt

Job description summary:

Under the supervision of the Shift Supervisor/Coordinator, this position is responsible for the 24 -hour management, care, safety, and welfare of the Christ Child House residents.  This position is required to meet all of the principle areas of responsibilities.  This position is expected to work with the treatment team to ensure that a trauma sensitive, and therapeutic environment is maintained.

 Qualifications/requirements:

Education and Experience:  High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

Licensure:   Valid driver’s license; limited moving violations in the past 5 years. 

Background Checks:  All employees will undergo an annual Internet Criminal History Access Toot (ICHAT), sexual abuse registry, and Central Registry (CR) check.

Training:  Completes 80 hours of training during orientation per Christ Child House Policy.  In first year of employment, must complete at least 100 hours of training.  A minimum of 25 hours of annual training thereafter. Must complete CPI prior to working directly with youth.

Physical:  This position requires the ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods. This position requires the ability to stoop, squat, kneel and crouch.  This position requires the ability to turn head and torso, bending and flexing arms, wrists and fingers, use of hands to feel objects, reach with hands and arms, and lift 25 pounds.  This position requires computer literacy.  This position requires the full use of vision in order to read forms, reports, computer terminals and printouts.  This position requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle.  This position requires the full power of speech and the ability to utilize telephone, computers and other instruments of communication with clients and employees.

Working conditions:  The Christ Child House makes every effort to provide a pleasant building atmosphere.  The position may work a major portion of the time in a non-air conditioned temperature atmosphere.  The outdoor time will involve activities with the children and local trips.  This position may require some travel via auto or bus.  This position may produce physical and mental stress.

 Essential skills and abilities:

1)      Model optimal personal and professional treatment standards, communicate professionally in oral and written form, and exercise independent professional judgment.

2)      Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and residents.

3)      Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with residents and with other staff.

4)      Ability to transport residents, materials, and supplies safely and efficiently.

5)      Ability to effectively motivate, correct, coach and counsel residents to encourage proper and appropriate behavior.

6)      Ability to complete written reports/logs regarding the behavior, activities, and status of residents in timely fashion.

7)      Ability to assess, interpret and respond appropriately to verbal and nonverbal communications of residents and other CCH staff.

8)      Positive interactions with youth, staff, and administration.

9)      Physical ability to participate in physical recreational activities with residents.

10)  Physical mobility and capacity to manage a violent child when restraint is required to assure the safety of that child, the staff, residents, families, and/or others.

11)  Assure safety of all residents at all times including but not limited to reporting safety issues and concerns to administration, supervisors/coordinators (building, staffing etc.).

12)  Present self as a positive role model at all times.

13)  Maintain a cooperative working relationship with other personnel.

14)  Demonstrate ability to tactfully handle difficult situations.

15)  Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in working with a diverse population.

16)  Ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the practitioner and to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served or other family members.

17)  Seek guidance and direction as necessary for performance of duties.

18)  Maintain confidentiality of Christ Child House, client, and personnel information.

19)  Ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families in which they are helped to gain the skills and confidence to address any issues and problems they face.

20)  Ability to successfully complete all post-offer of employment conditions including drug test and physical examination; free of communicable tuberculosis; able to obtain a central registry clearance.

21)  Has a basic understanding of trauma and the effects trauma has on our residents.

22)  Understand and implement CPI using verbal de-escalation techniques and only use physical coercive methods if a youth is harming himself or others.

23)  Abide by CCH Treatment Standards, CBA, Code of Ethics as well as Licensing & Contract Rules and accreditation standards.

24)  Employment will be terminated for any staff sleeping on the job. Staff are not allowed to sleep or mimic the posture of sleep.

 Essential duties and responsibilities:

1)      Assist residents with daily living activities including, but not limited to, waking up, dressing, making beds, completing of assigned chores, personal hygiene, preparing for school, completion of homework, preparing for and participating in recreational activities, and proper care and maintenance of clothing and personal belongings.  This will include cleaning, doing laundry, assisting with hygiene of residents.

2)      Maintain effective and ongoing supervision of the residents on all floors of the facility and outside the facility grounds.  (Residents are never to be left unsupervised.)

3)      Maintain and promote a positive and therapeutic environment on the unit by maintaining a harmonious atmosphere that facilitates constructive group activities throughout the total treatment milieu.

4)      Have a thorough knowledge of the philosophy and techniques of Christ Child House.

5)      Enforce all Christ Child House rules that apply to the clients in a positive, but firm manner.

6)      Employ all crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.  Staff are to use the least restrictive behavior management methods- verbal de-escalation, time away, writing assignment, etc. prior to physically managing residents.  Staff only physically manage residents who are exhibiting life threatening behaviors (i.e., assault, major self-harm, breaking windows with fists). 

7)      Maintain CPI certification and maintenance.

8)      Maintain your composure when dealing with non-compliant residents and request additional staff when necessary.

9)  Attend to extra staff calls and assist in crisis situations.  Always used a trauma sensitive approach.

10)  Gain authorization by notifying Supervision for all restraints. 

11)  Always maintain safety.

12)  Recognize and perform duties, which need to be performed although not directly assigned - assisting others as needed.

13)  Always maintaining house safety. Use of household cleaning products and disinfectants will be required.  Keep products away from residents and follow CCH Hazardous Materials Policy. Report all safety issues to Supervisor/Coordinator/Administration immediately.

14)  Responsible for transporting residents to and from school, medical appointments, recreational activities, and family visits and adhering to the safe driving policy- not personal calls or texting while transporting youth or operating agency vehicles.

15)  Responsible for providing first aid to residents with minor injuries and caring for sick residents. 

16)  Responsible for completing point sheets, incident reports, physical management reports, group notes, bed checks and another other paperwork required by the end of shift.

17)  Function as a member of the Youth Specialist team, for active participation in staff meetings, and for maintaining a courteous, cooperative, and constructive demeanor.

18)  Maintain CPR/FA/AED certification and maintenance.

19)  Assuring a clean work environment and assistance with house cleaning, vacuuming, disinfecting surface areas etc.

20)  Responsible for performing all duties as assigned by Director of Residential Services or Residential Supervisor, and/or other Manager.

 Christ Child House Youth Specialist Acknowledgment and Sign-off:

I understand that failure to comply with all areas of this Position Description could result in disciplinary action.  By signing below, I am indicating that I have read and understand all job requirements, agree to abide by them as written, and have received a copy of this document.

I have reviewed and understand the above job description and believe it to be accurate and complete.  I understand that management retains the right to change this job description at any time.

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Signature of Employee                                       Signature of Supervisor

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Date                                                                            Date