Youth Care Specialist - Full Time
Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Youth Care Specialist – Full Time
Job Type: Direct Care Staff
Department: Residential
Position Reports to: Program Coordinator
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Provide direct supervision and case management support to youth and serve as Residential Administrator On Duty (RAOD)
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Covenant House Florida reserves the right to unilaterally modify, remove, or add to any of the following:
• Responsible to establish and maintain a predictable daily routine of activities, structure and continuity for both youth and staff, ensuring alignment with the Covenant House Mission Statement and Philosophy.
• Deliver all services in accordance with CHF Mission, Principles, and Core Values, fostering an inclusive atmosphere.
• Establishes appropriate boundaries with youth to ensure staff and youth’s safety and security.
• Demonstrate knowledge of in-house program resources and community resources to effectively communicate referrals to individuals in need. Provide vital information about residents and referrals.
• Ensure consistency in the implementation of program policies and provide support and guidance to program staff utilizing the Individualized Solution Process (ISP).
• Collaborate with other departments to maintain a safe environment for all youth through adequate staffing and supervision.
• Communicate effectively with team members and youth by demonstrating emotional intelligence, active listening, and self-regulation to build trust and maintain a supportive environment.
• Responsible for conducting and documenting inspections of residential living spaces and common areas, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring timely follow-through on identified issues.
• Collaborate with the Operations team to complete and document monthly fire drill procedures in compliance with safety regulations.
• Act as a primary source of contact for managing incidents, ensuring proper documentation and timely data entry in the ETO system.
• Complete all documentation neatly and accurately, and in a timely manner (i.e. emails, progress notes, incident reports, etc.).
• Communicate with Administrator On-Call and Clinical Services Coordinator AOC as necessary regarding issues in need of further clarification/direction.
• Supervise youth, maintain order, and exercise appropriate judgment at all. Defuse physical and verbal confrontation with youth, using appropriate verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Attend agency meetings, trainings, and complete required training (minimum of 40 hours annually) to maintain compliance with licensing standards.
• Drive agency vehicles to transport youth to appointments, activities, and other necessary locations.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, counseling, criminal justice, or social work required.
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of two years of work history and two years of experience working with at risk youth preferred. Experience in crisis intervention and problem solving.
SCHEDULE: This position is typically scheduled for a minimum of 3-night shifts no later than 11pm and 3-day shifts not earlier than 8am. One weekend day required. Flexibility to meet the need of the youth and the agency is required
SKILLS: Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work well with others. Must demonstrated ability to maintain order and exercise appropriate judgement in crisis situations including the physical ability to intervene in critical or emergency situations. Excellent communication skills as demonstrated by concise, timely and professional correspondence, both written and verbal. Demonstrated understanding of conflict resolution skills and sensitivity to culturally diverse populations and computer literacy is required.
TRANSPORTATION: Must have a valid FL driver’s license and good driving record. May need to transport clients/staff if required using agency transportation.
WORKING CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently move about both indoors and outdoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Must be able to lift, carry or push up to 20lbs. on occasion, bend, sit and stand for prolonged periods of time. Some weekend/holiday work may be required.
SUPERVISORY DUTIES: This position performs supervisory duties and is part of the Leadership/Residential Administrator on Duty (RAOD)/Supervisor On Duty (SOD) teams.
EQUIPMENT USED: Must be able to utilize basic word processing, email, and internet programs. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
Due to licensing requirements, Covenant House Florida applicants will not be permitted to begin employment service until they have been cleared by a Florida and national criminal background search. All applicants for employment will be responsible for the cost associated with instituting background checks and will be eligible for reimbursement after 90 days of service.
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at Covenant House Florida. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital/parental status, political affiliation, citizenship, disability, genetic information, veteran/ military status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law.