Direct Care Worker

Academic Req : Required – High school diploma, or equivalent; Preferred – 2-year associate degree from accredited program / institution, or two or more years of college-level course work in a related human services field

Certifications : First aid, CPR, Emergency behavior intervention

Work experience : Required – 1-year employment experience in the child welfare field working with children and / or adolescents in a social service setting and / or training in a related human services field; Preferred - 2 plus years’ related experience and / or training in a related human services field

Critical Action Items & Measurable Deliverables :

• Meet all federal and state regulatory guidelines and standards that are applicable to this position.
• Document all serious incidents, daily progress, and activities completely, accurately and in a timely manner and in compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• Assist with orientation of new children and staff.
• Provide input into development of treatment plans as appropriate or requested.
• Use positive child management techniques including verbal redirection, de-escalation, and containment.
• Plan, organize and supervise activities for children in accordance with the daily activity schedule.
• Teach constructive behavior and social skills, realistic problem-solving behaviors, responsible time and money management, conversational English, personal hygiene, and life skills.
• Assist children with homework assignments.
• Maintain an orderly and clean children’s living area including assisting in the household and children’s laundry, overseeing daily chores, identifying routine maintenance work / repair, and reporting it to the Unit Manager.
• Maintain and update records regarding children’s clothing and personal items.
• Maintain a secure campus environment by making rounds as required, and by using proper application of radio communication protocols including responding to all radio calls.
• Take actions to promote positive interaction between children and encourage children to take responsibility in the daily routine of the facility.
• Model culturally and socially desired behaviors while explaining the behaviors to children to facilitate learning and replication of the behaviors.
• Work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed or requested by position supervisor.
• Implement Compass Connections safety protocols including evacuating with children and other staff in case of an emergency.
• Maintain confidentiality in all areas of child and program operations.
• Maintain Compass Connections professional and ethical standards of conduct outlined in Compass Connections employee handbook including demonstrating respect for agency staff, children, and community members and complying with required dress code at all times.

Other Responsibilities :

Requirements :

a. Respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics.

b. Work collaboratively with other staff members, service providers and professionals.

c. Provide crisis intervention according to training provided by Compass Connections when needed to maintain a safe environment.

d. Work in a fast-paced environment and maintain emotional control and professional composure at all times.

e. Maintain computer literacy required to meet the responsibilities of the position.

f. Work effectively and without intensive supervision both independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.