Youth Care Worker

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Youth Care Worker utilizes the established house program to assure a consistent environment for the youth in their care. The Youth Care Worker establishes and maintains a positive, adult/youth relationship with each youth in the home, caring for those youth as directed by the supervisor and Policy & Procedure and participates in the operation of all aspects of the home as directed by the supervisor. Provides line of sight and sound at all times for the children.

DUTIES:

E = essential function, M = marginal function

1. Provides appropriate supervision of youth at all times as directed by supervisor and Policy and Procedure and house protocol. Provides line of sight and sound supervision of youth at all times.(E)

2. Provides situational training as directed by the supervisor. Topics may include: personal hygiene, personal responsibility, health and independent living skills. Provides basic hygiene and health services through example and instruction. (E)

3. Teaches home management skills. Topics may include: menu planning, cooking, cleaning, operating appliances and basic home maintenance. (E)

4. Assures that clothing is appropriate for the youth and enforces the House’s dress code. (E)

5. Ensures each youth in the home has all of the rights provided in “The Rights of Children in Care at The Villages, Inc.” as adopted by the Board and printed in the Policy and Procedures Manual. (E)

6. Participates with the youth in positive leisure time activities and age appropriate social events in the community as directed by the supervisor. (E)

7. Exposes the youth to nature conservation, recycling, other environmental concerns and physical activities. (M)

8. Exposes the youth to cultural and social values and models values that reinforce socially acceptable behaviors and stimulate cultural interests. (E)

9. Prepares meals and appropriate snacks each day which meet Kansas Department of Education (KDE) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements in an environment which provides a positive focal point of family life. (E)

10. Teaches and models appropriate communication skills to express thoughts and feelings. (E)

11. Addresses social living skills, including communication, self-worth, self and social awareness and appropriate attitudes and conduct toward authority, parents, peers and younger children. (E)

12. Completes daily log entries for each youth in accordance with KS Dept of Children and Families (DCF) or U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) requirements at the end of every shift. (E)

13. Utilizes the behavior management system in the home which is in compliance with KDHE or ORR regulations and meets all Villages requirements. (E)

14. Administers appropriate medications as prescribed. The Youth Care Worker shall enter all such medication administrations on a medication log for each youth following administration of the medication in accordance with DCF or ORR requirements and shall ensure that all medications are kept in a locked storage area. (M)

15. Drives a 15-passenger van as needed. (M)

16. Completes all required in-service training annually. (E)

17. Upon hire, attends initial in-service training provided by The Villages before functioning independently. (E)

18. Assists supervisor in maintaining the house and other Villages’ property in accordance with Villages’ guidelines and other pertinent requirements. (M)

19. Assures that the home and designated outdoor spaces near the home are properly cleaned and maintained as directed by the supervisor. (M)

20. Notifies the supervisor when any maintenance in the home is required. Exceptions will be made only in the case of an emergency. (M)

21. Ensures that all Villages property, including computers and electrical equipment and furniture and appliances in the home, is properly cared for and maintained. (E)

22. Follows all guidance provided in the Policy and Procedure Manual and other documents outlining policy, procedure and/or protocol. (E)

23. Assures the safety and security of all youth and staff by performing room searches as necessary. All searches shall meet the requirements of The Villages. (E)

24. Maintains appropriate, satisfactory and harmonious relationships with the public, fellow employees and youth. (E)

25. Accepts additional duties as assigned. (M)

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED: A minimum age of 21 years, with at least 3 years age difference between the youth care worker and oldest youth who can be admitted to the house. A high school diploma or GED. Pass a KBI and CANIS background check. A good driving record in order to be insured by The Villages’ insurance company. Be able to lift and carry a minimum of 30 pounds. Characteristics that will enable the development of positive and caring relationships with the youth in their care. Must be fluent (reading/writing and speaking/hearing) in English.

PREFERRED: Some college coursework. Experience working with youth in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice system. Fluency in another language.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid orientation
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Overnight shift

Work Days:

• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Are you at least 21 years of age? (Our license with the State of Kansas requires that employees be at least 21 years of age.) Please answer yes or no.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Topeka, KS (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17