Youth Specialist, ILP - 3rd Shift

Youth Specialist, ILP - 3rd Shift

Requisition #: req14943

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Part-time (24 hours/week)

At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our mission and these shared values: we’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul.

The Independent Living Plus (ILP) Youth Specialist is primarily responsible for providing care and supervising residents in the program. This individual will serve as a resident advocate for assigned residents, while also ensuring that residents' developmental and cultural adjustment needs are met within a safe and supportive environment that enhances their ability to meet their treatment and educational growth goals. This individual will develop therapeutic, professional relationships with residents and offer insight into their functioning and participation in program.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively participant in assigned activities and encourage positive interaction and growth amongst the residents;
• Obtain and retain an adequate amount of knowledge pertaining to program, and successfully implement components on the job;
• Attend monthly meetings with supervisor to discuss job performance, and/or issues or concerns;
• Interact professionally and in a caring, consistent manner as outlined in program guidelines;
• Successfully utilize the nonviolent crisis prevention intervention procedures (TCI), when needed;
• May perform Shift Supervisor responsibilities to ensure supervision coverage when scheduling needs arise;
• Provide resident updates during team meetings on but not limited to current level, length of time on that level, date of placement, length of stay, goal attainment, school progress report, think tank or room restriction time, incident reports, assessment of overall functioning, interaction with peers and staff, and recommendation for new or revised treatment goals;
• Oversee the resident(s) daily routines to include mealtime, study time, outings, bedtime, assigned jobs, and other resident activity;
• Perform essential functions of this position without operating a motor vehicle;
• May be required to work nights, weekend and holidays;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Bachelor’s level degree from an accredited college, preferred;
• Bi-lingual - English and Spanish, preferred;
• Prior experience working with youth from diverse cultures, preferred;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Demonstrated temperament to work and care for refugee youth from various cultural backgrounds;
• Must be able to serve as a positive role model;
• Demonstrated ability to nurture and provide structure, support, and respect to others;
• Must be able to pass required medical examinations and have the physical ability to fulfill the essential job functions, including physical restraints of a resident;
• Successfully pass an annual TB test and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization;
• Must be able to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Documentation of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases or the willingness to receive vaccination, or seek an exemption;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

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