BASIC FUNCTION :

The Youth Care Worker provides care and supervision to youth in residential/house setting at Youth Horizons, engages youth in skill building opportunities, ensures youth are monitored and safe, and facilitates and maintains a therapeutic home environment for youth.

SCHEDULE: 3 to 4 days per week. 7 to 7 day or night shift (36-48 hours each week)

BENEFITS : Premium free Health, Vision & Dental insurance. Free YMCA membership.

CHARACTERISTICS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Provide, foster, and maintain a loving, caring, and holistically safe environment
• Develop therapeutic relationships/alliance with youth residents
• Consistently facilitate and maintain a therapeutic environment despite challenges
• Employ crisis intervention skills when needed to help de-escalate the situation
• Serve as a role model for youth by exhibiting skills taught in the program
• Use best practice models (Boys Town PEM, Safe Crisis Management, etc.) to help youth address problem behaviors, encourage positive behaviors, develop skills that increase protective factors, strengthen resilience, and build social supports
• Counsel youth and assist in learning problem solving skills
• Teach/help youth learn independent living skills and self-care habits
• Help youth identify strengths and use strengths to navigate challenges, tasks, and goals
• Demonstrate the ability to make decisions in sensitive and sometimes critical areas and to adapt responses to situation that align with DCF and KPBR policies and procedures
• Communicate in articulate, professional manner while maintaining necessary degree of confidentiality
• Engage with and help youth maintain connection with family, relatives, meaningful contacts approved by the youth’s case manager
• Transports youth as needed
• Document daily activity logs and serious incident reports

• Ensure the residential home meets and exceeds various regulatory bodies (i.e., KDHE, DCF, etc.)
• Ensure health and safety standards are met
• Monitors for compliance issues as assigned by Assistant Director (paperwork, medications, facility, etc.)
• Assists in Boys Town point card total up and organization
• Ensures the residential living environment is clean and organized at the end of each shift
• Adhere to and promote Gospel-centered values which is congruent with Youth Horizons mission & values
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• A high school degree at a minimum, some post-secondary education preferred
• Must be at least 21 years of age (3 years older than oldest youth served)
• Preferred 1 year of experience serving youth in residential care or youth at risk
• Must pass required background and fingerprint checks according to state mandate
• Valid Driver’s License with clear driving record and pass an annual Motor Vehicle Registration check

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

Physical abilities to drive passenger vehicles, complete required paperwork, read program materials, converse on the telephone, and communicate effectively with youth in high stress situations. Personal mobility and stamina to actively engage youth for 12-hour shift (including day to day duties, physical activities, and special events). Strength to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to climb flights of stairs and get into a transport van. Dexterity to write, cook, and help with models and games. May need to physically assist in the verbal and physical restraint of clients who require external controls.

www.youthhorizons.net