POSITION SUMMARY
The Residential Youth Care Worker/Cook is responsible for implementing daily therapeutic programming for youth under the direction of their assigned supervisor. The Youth Care Worker engages the youth in therapeutic interactions and skill-building activities and documents those interactions and activities promptly, legally consistent with Medicaid Rule 140. The Youth Care Worker employs their training in Hoyleton's CARE practice model and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) to create developmental relationships with youth and maintain a safe, positive, therapeutic environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prepares nutritious and attractive meals and snacks, according to the menus provided, that meet state health standards, food service regulations, ISBE standards, and supervisory directives.
2. Plans and orders food and related supplies for meal preparation, including menus for evening and weekend meals prepared by staff on duty.
3. Prepares special meals at various holidays and special events throughout the year.
4. Assures proper storage of all food items; disposes of unused food at the expiration date or an appropriate.
5. Maintains hygienic conditions in kitchen and dining area and cleans all major appliances at least weekly.
6. Provides direction and oversight to cottage residents to assist them in developing cooking and cleaning skills in accordance with their capacity. Respond to behavioral issues when they occur. May be required to participate in client restraint.
7. Maintains accurate records following agency policy and in compliance with state requirements.
8. Engages youth in daily therapeutic activities that help youth develop social, emotional, and other life skills, including the ability to have fun and play, consistent with each youth's individualized treatment goals and the CARE principles.
9. Ensures the safety of youth, themselves, and co-workers by:

• developing positive relationships with youth, co-workers, and supervisors,
• knowing and understanding youths' trauma history and triggers,
• anticipating crises and using TCI crisis de-escalation techniques,
• implementing TCI-compliant manual restraint according to agency policy when youth and staff are at immediate and serious risk of physical harm and
• working to restore relationships as crises resolve by conducting TCI Life Space Interviews with youth.

1. Requires the successful completion of CARE training and certification and annual recertification in TCI.
2. Completes daily hours of care required by documenting Medicaid-compliant therapeutic interventions.
3. Participates with their supervisor and youth in planning schedules of activities for each shift.
4. Engages in reflective practice by weekly individual and/or group supervision with their supervisor.
5. Participates in clinical staffings, cottage, and other agency meetings as required and meets all initial and ongoing agency training requirements.
6. Requires overnight staff to complete bed checks of each youth every 15 minutes and to engage youth who have problems around bedtime or sleeping therapeutically.
7. This Position requires on-call status whenever applicable.

1. Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS and ABILITIES

1. Ability to learn the CARE practice model and implement daily programming consistent with CARE principles.
2. Ability to learn the TCI curriculum successfully, pass TCI written and physical restraint testing, remain current with required TCI refresher training, and conduct TCI techniques with fidelity to the model.
3. Must enjoy actively engaging youth, be emotionally mature and patient, and communicate empathy toward youth.
4. Prefer candidates who are kind, generous, and have a good sense of humor.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

1. Must be at least 21 years of age.
2. High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in Human Services and related experience preferred.
3. Must possess and maintain a valid Illinois driver's license.
4. Must possess and maintain proof of automobile insurance

CARE & TCI
One of the essential job functions of any position within the agency is to align your performance with our overarching philosophy of CARE. All decisions, actions, communication, and performance should align with the six CARE principles (Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed). Not only must you complete the CARE training with satisfactory participation, but you must then put that training into practice in your everyday work.
Every employee must also pass TCI training with a satisfactory grade in written and/or physical testing. All employees must remain current on refresher training that is provided monthly at all locations. You will be tested every 6 months on the physical portion, if applicable to your position. You will be tested annually on the written portion regardless of your position. If you are not current on your TCI refresher training every six months, you will be required to retake the full course. If you do not pass either test, you may be required to retake the full course. Not only must you complete the TCI training with satisfactory participation, but you must then put that training into practice in your everyday work.
Location: 62803