Youth Specialist - Full-Time

Under the general direction of the Assistant Youth Center Director or designated supervisory personnel, provides direct care supervision to residents of the Youth Center. Assists in providing a safe, secure environment and implementing treatment programs.
 
Calhoun County is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse workplace that provides an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all employees and the public it serves.  

1. Provides direct care supervision of residents and assists in providing input on resident’s behaviors and planning, and follows plans in carrying out daily activities.
2. Works as a member of a team, attending team meetings to provide input on resident behaviors and planning.
3. Prepares documentation of residents behaviors and actions daily, using point sheets, observation notes in resident log book, incident reports, shift change notes, resident files, and related documentation.
4. Provides informal one-on-one counseling to assist residents in decision-making.  Discusses various matters of concern with youths and serves as an empathetic listener on topics such as family problems, court hearings, homework and general interpersonal relationships. Refers residents to mental health professionals for consultation when appropriate. 
5. Supervises resident’s daily hygienic procedures and related activities; to include distributing clothing, personal need items, supervising daily hygienic procedures and related activities.
6. Organizes and participates in recreational activities, such as arts/crafts, games, gym events, outdoor activities, and other activities.  May develop and teach additional programs with approval of CCYC administrators.
7. Transports, escorts, and monitors residents to appointments, court hearings, visitations, etc.
8. Performs and assists with intakes of residents to gather information, searches residents for contraband, assesses resident’s potential for suicide and health concerns, and provides orientations for residents on CCYC program rules and materials. Conducts admission procedures for new residents and updates census and status reports.
9. Assists teachers, trainers, and volunteers by serving as an aide in the classroom and dealing with disciplinary matters as necessary.   Assists residents with their classroom work, homework, and studying as necessary.
10. Instructs and supervises the residents in the performance of daily housekeeping chores and cleaning duties.  Performs laundry duties and various other housekeeping duties.
11. Assists with the management of the token economy, behavior management or modification techniques, other strategies in accordance with approved training, individual treatment plans, and policies and procedures.
12. Intervenes when necessary in crisis situations in accordance with policy and procedures for physical and mechanical restraints, room confinements, or other appropriate action.  Submits information to Shift Supervisor/Director on more serious disciplinary actions.
13. Understands and identifies stages of group development and can modify group management strategies accordingly.
14. Supervises Youth Center residents to ensure that adequate security measures are met, including making security checks, taking resident counts, performing room checks, and monitoring security cameras.
15. Assesses medical emergencies, administers first aid, dispenses authorized medications, complies with nutritional requirements and treatments as ordered by medical staff, sets-up after hour emergency medical care, and adheres to universal precautions. 
16. Performs other duties as assigned.

• A minimum completion of a standard high school diploma or equivalent. A Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences is preferred.
• Experience with youth preferred. 
• Teaching skills in group management and recreation, strongly desired.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, required.
• Possess a valid MI Operator’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate with County personnel and the general public in situations requiring tact and patience.
• Mental ability to frequently handle simultaneous projects requiring concentration and attention to detail with frequent distractions due to people and/or telephone calls. Incumbent is frequently required to handle pressures dealing with concerned citizens, employees, etc.
• Physical ability to occasionally transport items weighing up to twenty-five pounds. Incumbent is periodically required to walk for extended periods of time. Incumbent is periodically required to perform repetitive movement and frequently required to work in confined areas. Incumbent is frequently exposed to moving objects as part of the job.

Supervisory Responsibilities                      

• Acts in role of Shift Supervisor as appropriate.

Working Conditions
Hybrid Work Classification: On-Site Required
Flexibility Classification: Fixed Schedule 
 

• Work includes occasional outside working conditions with exposure to extreme hot or cold weather assignments.
• Work includes frequent exposure to chemicals and/or toxins.
• Work includes occasional contact with infectious disease and the incumbent may be occasionally exposed to the threat of bodily injury during restraints or by acting out of youth.
• Occasional travel between County locations is required.
• Extended work days (beyond eight hours/day) are frequently required.
• On-call availability to handle work problems, attend meetings, handle emergencies/crisis situations, etc. at all hours is frequently required.

Salary : $22 - $29