Youth specialist

Job Responsibilities :

Youth Treatment Specialist 3rd Shift

Wisconsin Community Services (WCS)

Specialized Services Program Jefferson County Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility

Position Summary : Exciting opportunity to work in a therapeutic milieu environment serving youth at State certified Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility serving youth, ages 10-17.

The Youth Treatment Specialist embraces working with one to three youth teaching skills and empowering youth during a mental health crisis.

Youth treatment specialists p rovide supervision of the youth and are responsible for ensuring safety of youth during sleeping hours.

Essential Functions :

• Serve as a treatment specialist in the milieu supporting therapeutic interactions by coaching skill use throughout activities, modeling appropriate behavior, teaching and reinforcing use and generalization of skills.
• Perform third shift room checks per policy and follow clinical recommendations for safety such as suicide protocol, involving mobile crisis, and utilizing safety planning and protocols..
• Conduct room searches, complete laundry, building cleaning and supporting inventory process.
• Use evidence-based best practices for youth with mental health, substance use and life needs.This includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma informed care, motivational interviewing, youth centered, and culturally reverent approaches while celebrating youth’s development and identity.
• Use motivation and engagement strategies to encourage youth involved in systems such as the court services and Department of Children and Families to participate in treatment programming and involvement in program activities.
• Always provide active sight and sound supervision to youth and families with complex needs.
• Assess youth behavior for risk to self and others or behavioral changes within the treatment milieu and communicate with supervisory and / or clinical staff regarding appropriate support as needed.
• Perform milieu management and coaching with youth experiencing emotional dysregulation and / or crisis according to their treatment plans including one-on-one support for the plan for extra help.
• Calmly and responsibly respond during crisis situations and intervene to de-escalate using trained and approved methods and techniques of verbal and physical intervention to maintain safety in the environment.
• Interact with youth in a professional, positive and therapeutic manner according to policy, procedure, training and agency values.
• Work closely as part of a team to maintain clear communication with other staff to ensure youth receive high quality and seamless care.
• Observe and document youth participation in activities and interactions with others per program standards (youth logs and youth related reports) in an electronic database.
• Complete building or structural functions as required, assisting with meal preparation, general building cleanliness and organization.
• Monitor and support youth in completing activities of daily living such as chores and health and hygiene standards.
• Maintain youth and family confidentiality within all written and verbal communications
• Adhere to State licensing requirements.
• Adhere to WCS Policies and Procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications :

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Working knowledge of positive child / youth development; patience and understanding of difficult life situations; the ability to interact with youth and / or parents in a calm and professional manner;
• ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations; perform basic computer functions;

use time efficiently and effectively; ability to multi-task.

Minimal Qualifications :

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Be at least 21 years old (at least 2 years older than the oldest resident).
• Schedule requires flexibility with a rotation of weekend coverage.
• Working knowledge of computer applications preferred.
• Ability to display cultural competence by responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of youth and their families.
• Knowledge and skills to work with youth age 10-17.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements preferred.
• Meet all the employee requirements including references, criminal background check, drug test, and driver’s license check.

Other Job Information (if applicable) :

Work Relationship and Scope : Reports directly to the YCSF Supervisor, and works closely with the entire Team. Direct interaction with the youth being served by the program and their families, project partners, and County.

Has contact with a wide variety of individuals including youth and family members, other program staff, vendors, and other collateral contacts, neighbors, funders, Jefferson County Department of Health and Human Services, court officials, the Department of Health and Human Services, Public School staff and administrators, staff of youth serving agencies, and the community.

• Personal Attributes : Follow agency Code of Conduct and Leadership Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources;
• conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, youth being served by the YCSF, and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision;

sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability needs; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.

Working Conditions :

• State Certified Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility (YCSF)
• Most of the work is done throughout the building and in the community
• Local travel as required fulfilling essential functions of the position. Ability to provide coverage as needed.
• Ability to serve youth who have experienced a great deal of trauma and express their needs through behaviors.

Schedule :

• Full-time or part-time
• Flexible schedule, third shift (10 : 00pm-8 : 00am)
• Weekend rotation required
• Holiday rotation required (premium for working holidays)

Physical Demands : Duties require activity while supporting or interacting with youth in the program. Staff may be required to use (trained) physical interventions if there is immediate physical harm posed to youth or staff.

Ability to lift 30 pounds. Driving is required.

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Last updated : 2024-11-15