Youth Care Specialist - Shelter Care - 1st Shift (male applicants are encouraged to apply.)

Posting number: 2603554

Department: DHHS Youth Shelter Care

Job classification: Youth Care Specialist

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Social Services, Human Services

Summary

Shelter Care is seeking a compassionate, dependable individual to join our team as a Youth Care Specialist. In this role, you will work directly with youth to help meet their basic needs and serve as a positive role model. At Shelter Care, we take a team-based approach to supporting the youth and one another, working alongside 2 to 4 colleagues each shift. Youth Care Specialists engage with youth on a daily basis, transporting them to school, preparing meals, playing board games or sports, participating in community activities and promoting healthy life habits. This role offers an opportunity to mentor youth, gain experience in child welfare and mental health, and develop professionally within a collaborative team environment.

Under general direction of the Supervisor; the Youth Care Specialist performs work involving the care and custody of juveniles, assuring a safe, secure environment, providing positive influence, and preparing and maintaining related logs and reports. They also focus on  the individualized needs of youth and caregivers currently served within the Youth & Family Services Division. 

Please Note:
Due to state statute DCF 59.05(4)(h) and current ratio with our shelter care, male applicants are encouraged to apply.
DCF 59-05(4)(h): When children of both sexes are present in large group shelter care facilities, there shall be both male and female staff members on duty in the facility.

Hours: Full Time 1st Shift
Four 10-hour shifts a week including every other weekend
Hours are 4am-2pm

Outagamie County offers Benefit options and paid time off for team members that work 20+ or more hours per week. Learn more today by visiting:  https://www.outagamie.gov/Our-County/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits-Information

Examples of duties

The following duties are most critical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Supervises and directs educational, recreational, intellectual, competency development, and pro-social activities for youth.
• Provides support and education to parents/caregivers.
• Monitors and interacts with youth  in an individual or group setting and appropriately engages with residents who may be experiencing mental/emotional distress or are physically ill.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of juvenile count, personal property, money, incidents, activities, etc.
• Cooperates and maintains clear communication with law enforcement, social service agencies, social workers, juvenile intake, schools and resident's significant others.
• Maintains discipline and adheres to the rules and regulations pertaining to the policies and procedures of the Division.
• Provides transportation for youth residents to school, work, appointments, and recreational activities.
• Remains educated on and maintains compliance with the rules and regulations governing the Shelter Care facility including DCF59 Administrative Code requirements and Department Policies.
• Completes custody procedures when a youth is placed into the facility; documents appropriate information, and maintains required documentation in resident files.
• Receives incoming perishable and non-perishable items; dates and stores items in appropriate areas and takes inventory of food and other supplies and reports to the facility Supervisor.

Qualifications

• A minimum of one year previous work and/or educational experience preferred that has provided the skills and knowledge necessary to provide proper care to youth who are experiencing mental, emotional, behavioral, or physical difficulties or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of pre-employment testing which includes but not limited to a physical exam, TB test and Vision test.

Supplemental information

• Knowledge of policies and procedures of receiving, releasing, and maintaining custody of youth residents.
• Knowledge of adolescent behavior, brain development, inter-personal relations, and social/peer interaction.
• Understand the operation and purpose of the Shelter Care facility and to remain educated on other co