Are you passionate about empowering youth and creating positive change in their lives?

We are currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team as a Direct Care Specialist for our Youth Emergency Shelter located in Santa Fe, NM. In this role, you will provide direct care for clients at our youth emergency shelter program.

What would my job responsibilities be?

• Provide direct care and supervision to youth residents, including assistance with daily living activities such as meal preparation, laundry, and hygiene.
• Engage with youth in a positive and supportive manner, building rapport and trust.
• Provide crisis intervention, as necessary following the Nurtured Heart Approach and Trauma Informed Practices.
• Supervise and participate in recreational activities, outings, and scheduled appointments, including driving youth to off-site locations as needed.
• Monitor and document client behavior, interactions, and progress towards goals.
• Always keep youth in sight and sound to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Conduct room checks every 15 minutes to ensure youth are safe and accounted for.
• Implement and adhere to shelter policies and procedures, including safety protocols and crisis intervention techniques.
• Collaborate with other staff members to ensure a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for youth.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information and adhere to professional boundaries.
• Assist with intake and discharge procedures for youth entering and leaving the shelter.
• Participate in the development and implementation of individualized care plans for youth residents.
• Provide emotional support and crisis intervention as needed, utilizing trauma-informed care practices.
• Assist in the coordination and facilitation of life skills workshops, educational activities, and group discussions.
• Ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the shelter environment, including common areas and resident rooms.
• Administer medications as prescribed and in accordance with shelter policies (training will be provided).
• Attend and participate in weekly required staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Report any incidents, concerns, or changes in client behavior to the appropriate supervisor in a timely manner.
• Foster a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment for all youth, respecting their diverse backgrounds and experiences.

What are the qualifications and experience I need to become a Direct Care Specialist?

• Previous experience working with youth in a residential or shelter setting, preferred.
• Experience working with youth aged 10 to 18 is required.
• High integrity when dealing with a broad array of cultures and restricted and/or confidential information.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish and English preferred.
• Computer software skills including Microsoft Windows, Excel, and Word.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly listening, mediation, and writing skills.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities.
• Valid Driver’s License, insurable under YSFS automobile policy.
• Must be over 21 years of age to meet minimum eligibility requirements of our automobile insurance carrier.
• CPR/ First Aid Certified (will train).

What are the minimum education requirements?

• Bachelor Degree in Human Services preferred
• OR a two years degree in Human related services and at least one year related experience.
• OR a high school diploma or GED and at least two years related experience.
• OR meet requirements as required by the Children, Youth and Families Department, Children’s Behavioral Health Division Service Requirements and Guidelines.

What are the scheduled shift you are looking to fill?

• Schedule 1- Monday - Friday, 6AM to 2PM- Full-time
• Schedule 2- Monday - Friday, 8AM to 4PM- Full-time
• Schedule 3- Monday - Friday, 4PM to 12AM- Full-time
• Schedule 4- Saturday - Sunday, 4PM to 12AM - Part-time
• Schedule 5- Saturday - Sunday, 2PM to 10PM- Part-time

What about the benefits Youth Shelters & Family Services offers?

• We offer a range of benefits for our full time employees including; a generous PTO package, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Employer Paid Life Insurance.
• Continuous training opportunities to enhance your understanding of the issues affecting our youth and improve your ability to serve our clients.
• We offer a supportive work environment and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young parents and their children.
• We provide all of our employees with access to an Employee Assistance program and Earned Sick Leave.

Our Mission Statement
Youth Shelters & Family Services is a dedicated organization providing life-changing support to homeless, runaway, and in-crisis youth in northern New Mexico. Our mission is to offer shelter, along with comprehensive assistance in health, safety, education, and workforce development, empowering young individuals to lead independent and purposeful lives.

Help us make a difference by joining our team at Youth Shelters & Family Services!

Youth Shelters and Family Services proudly embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals, to apply!

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Every weekend
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Weekends only

Application Question(s):

• What schedule are you applying for?

Experience:

• working with at-risk youth: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person