Residential Youth Specialist

Job description summary:

Under the supervision of the Shift Supervisor/Coordinator, this position is responsible for the 24 -hour management, care, safety and welfare of the Christ Child House residents. This position is required to meet all of the principle areas of responsibilities. This position is expected to work with the treatment team to ensure that a trauma sensitive, and therapeutic environment is maintained.

Qualifications/requirements:

Education and Experience: High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

Licensure:  Valid driver’s license; limited moving violations in the past 5 years. 

Training: Completes 80 hours of training during orientation per Christ Child House Policy. In first year of employment, must complete at least 100 hours of training.  A minimum of 25 hours of annual training thereafter.

Physical: This position requires the ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods.

This position requires the ability to stoop, squat, kneel and crouch. This position requires the ability to turn head and torso, bending and flexing arms, wrists and fingers, use of hands to feel objects, reach with hands and arms, and lift 25 pounds. This position requires computer literacy. This position requires the full use of vision in order to read forms, reports, computer terminals and printouts. This position requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle. This position requires the full power of speech and the ability to utilize telephone, computers and other instruments of communication with clients and employees.

Working conditions: The Christ Child House makes every effort to provide a pleasant building atmosphere. The position may work a major portion of the time in a non-air conditioned temperature atmosphere. The outdoor time will involve activities with the children and local trips. This position may require some travel via, auto or bus. This position may produce physical and mental stress.

Essential skills and abilities:

1)     Model optimal personal and professional treatment standards, communicate professionally in oral and written form, and exercise independent professional judgment.

2)     Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and residents.

3)     Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with residents and with other staff.

4)     Ability to safely and efficiently transport residents, materials, and supplies.

5)     Ability to effectively motivate, correct, coach and counsel residents to encourage proper and appropriate behavior.

6)     Ability to complete written reports/logs regarding the behavior, activities and status of residents in timely fashion.

7)     Ability to assess, interpret and respond appropriately to verbal and nonverbal communications of residents and other CCH staff.

8)     Physical ability to participate in physical recreational activities with residents.

9)     Physical mobility and capacity to manage a violent child when restraint is required to assure the safety of that child, the staff, residents, families, and/or others.

10) Present self as a positive role model at all times.

11) Maintain a cooperative working relationship with other personnel.

12) Demonstrate ability to tactfully handle difficult situations.

13) Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in working with a diverse population.

14) Ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the practitioner and to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served or other family members.

15) Seek guidance and direction as necessary for performance of duties.

16) Maintain confidentiality of Christ Child House, client, and personnel information.

17) Ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families in which they are helped to gain the skills and confidence to address any issues and problems they face.

18) Ability to successfully complete all post-offer of employment conditions including drug test and physical examination; free of communicable tuberculosis; able to obtain a central registry clearance.

19) Has a basic understanding of trauma and the effects trauma has on our residents.

20) Abide by CCH Treatment Standards, CBA, Code of Ethics as well as Licensing & Contract Rules and accreditation standards.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

1)     Assist residents with daily living activities including, but not limited to, waking up, dressing, making beds, completing of assigned chores, personal hygiene, preparing for school, completion of homework, preparing for and participating in recreational activities, and proper care and maintenance of clothing and personal belongings. This will include cleaning, doing laundry, assisting with hygiene of residents.

2)     Maintain effective and ongoing supervision of the residents on all floors of the facility and outside the facility grounds. (Residents are never to be left unsupervised.)

3)     Maintain and promote a positive and therapeutic environment on the unit by maintaining a harmonious atmosphere that facilitates constructive group activities throughout the total treatment milieu.

4)     Have a thorough knowledge of the philosophy and techniques of Christ Child House.

5)     Enforce all Christ Child House rules that apply to the clients in a positive, but firm manner.

6)     Responsible for physically restraining residents who are out of control (a threat to themselves or others and major property destruction), physically guiding residents needing assistance, de-escalating angry residents, and moving children to the time-out area as necessary. Maintain CPI certification and maintenance.

7)     Maintain your composure when dealing with non-compliant residents and request additional staff when necessary.

8)     Attend to extra staff calls and assist in crisis situations. Always used a trauma sensitive approach.

9)     Employ all crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques including physical management when necessary.

10) Gain authorization by notifying Supervision for all restraints. 

11) Maintains safety at all times.

12) Recognize and perform duties, which need to be performed although not directly assigned - assisting others as needed.

13) Use of household cleaning products and disinfectants will be required. Keep products away from residents and follow CCH Hazardous Materials Policy.

14) Responsible for transporting residents to and from school, medical appointments, recreational activities and family visits.

15) Responsible for providing first aid to residents with minor injuries and caring for sick residents. 

16) Responsible for completing point sheets, incident reports, physical management reports, group notes, bed checks and another other paperwork required by the end of shift.

17) Function as a member of the Youth Specialist team, for active participation in staff meetings, and for maintaining a courteous, cooperative, and constructive demeanor.

18) Maintain CPR/FA/AED certification and maintenance.

19) Responsible for performing all duties as assigned by Director of Residential Services or Residential Supervisor, and/or other Manager.