Youth Care Specialist
The Youth Care Specialist II provides direct supervision to the residents throughout the course of all daily activities and responsibilities. Youth Care Specialist II are required to perform all job functions of a Youth Care Worker as well as additional duties that promote consistency in the Treatment Program. Youth Care Specialist II are considered leadership positions within their assigned cottages/programs. They provide leadership in other cottages/programs and for the general campus, along with assigned supervisory duties. Youth Care Specialist II promote a positive view of the program when working with residents, Youth Care Workers, and supervisors at all levels. They promote consistency and dependability through modeling and mentoring with residents as well as co-workers.
1. Can support KYUMH’s mission and vision as evidenced by compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.
2. Supports and facilitates positive interaction with others as evidenced by: professional maturity, respect for others, a team-centered approach, maintenance of confidential information, and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.
3. Exhibits effective communication skills including proper use of agency communication systems.
4. Exhibits sound stewardship by effectively managing information resources to achieve the objectives of The Kentucky United Methodist Homes for Children and Youth.
5. Supports all functions that attain and maintain accreditation with regulatory agencies.
6. Participates in appropriate professional development programs and in services to attain and maintain competency.
7. Maintain effective skills necessary to respond to traumatized clients and support a trauma informed care system.
1. Encourages innovation, creativity, and goal setting with clients.
2. Conducts supervision meetings once monthly, and completes all evaluations of assigned supervisees.
3. Promotes team building and teamwork.
4. Is primarily responsible for the overall well-being and support of the clients, assuring that the clients are cared for adequately.
5. Provides on-the-job support for Youth Care Workers in conjunction with the Case Manager, Therapist, Medical Coordinator/Nurse, Residential Services Director, Therapeutic Services Director, and Executive Director of Programs and Services to assure an effective transition into their role as a Youth Care Worker.
1. Accountable for the implementation of the agency’s program routine.
2. Assists in managing behavior including but not limited to providing close supervision, observing and responding to changes using positive reinforcement and using appropriate techniques to de-escalate negative behaviors, and using Safe Crisis Management according to training and policy when client presents as a danger to self or others.
3. Teaches positive behavior and provides positive role model to clients (i.e. appropriate language, dress, and social skills). Attends and models appropriate behavior at faith group and church service when on duty.
4. Works cooperatively with all staff for the good of The Methodist Home and projects a positive public image.
5. Communicates all pertinent information concerning the clients to the Residential Services Director, Case Manager, Therapist, and Therapeutic Services Director to assure the overall well-being of the clients.
6. Accountable for the proper documentation of regular program checks and communicates physical facility needs to the appropriate parties. Assures that clients are aware of all safety procedures relative to hazards or emergencies.
7. Ensures that routine health care and first aid, as detailed in The Methodist Home’s policies and procedures, are provided to each client. Assures that first aid and medical supplies are available in the program. Assures proper dispensation and documentation of medication.
8. Ensures the implementation of recreation activities and participates in those activities with the clients.
9. Attends all required meetings. Is prepared to discuss program issues, employee issues, treatment issues, and is prepared to give a written response when needed.
10. Is trained in and assures that issues related to the safe and healthy operation of the program are being implemented and documented as directed, such as: meal preparation, routine chore supervision, laundry, minor maintenance or cleaning tasks.
11. Supports the implementation of the client’s treatment plan, including but not limited to knowledgeable of client treatment issues, teaches skills to improve functioning and facilitating weekly 1:1 mentoring and group.
12. Completes assigned tasks including documentation and paper work in a timely and competent fashion. When asked, provides written input on each client for Case Reviews.
13. Assures for the cleanliness, order, and upkeep of the physical facility, grounds and equipment. Assures supply inventories and orders are completed accurately as requested or required and turned in or filed on time.
14. Assumes responsibility for a variety of campus activities, including but not limited to: driving a campus vehicle, transporting clients, preparing clients for visits, clothing or supply shopping.
15. Responsible for monies assigned for program activities; Assures receipts are submitted for all monies used.
16. Assures an appropriate search of each client and the client’s clothing and belongings at intake and any other time that child has been unsupervised by agency staff, such as after an AWOL incident and at other times as needed. Completes searches in compliance with agency policy and procedure and documents accordingly.
17. Supports the Residential Services Director in ensuring effective cottage management. Assumes responsibility for oversight and maintenance of cottage routine, environment and activities for assigned shift.
18. Assures appropriate role modeling and cottage routine training for other cottage assigned staff.
19. Ensures all shift duties are completed by the end of each shift.
20. Completes medication administration as directed.
21. Communicates effectively with other program staff.
22. Assumes responsibility for key control; utilizes key log in/out.
23. Other duties as assigned. Youth Care Specialist II will be assigned duties to include, but not limited to, training direct care staff, completion of administrative tasks as assigned by Residential Services Director. These will include, but are not limited to allowances, recreation, cottage paperwork, drills and documentation of same as assigned by Residential Services Director. Youth Care Specialist II will act as direct supervisor for assigned staff as well as site supervisors on duty while on campus during times when alternative supervisory staff is away from campus. Youth Care Specialist II are expected to model and mentor for new employees in a manner that is beyond the expectations of Youth Care Workers.
24. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
1. Remain physically available to respond to crises as dictated by agency policy.
2. Work Saturday and Sunday of on-call week; off prior Friday and following Monday of on-call week
3. Announce to all programs you are on-duty.
4. Be available to all programs to answer questions and address staff concerns. Make certain that staff is following correct procedures.
5. Be available by phone after hours; be no more than one hour from campus at any point during on-call.
6. Ensure that staff complete Incident Reports as required.
7. If ESPI is utilized, debrief all staff involved.
8. Notify Clinical Team according to procedure.
1. Must be at least 21 years of age.
2. Must have a valid state of residence driver’s license.
3. Successful completion of a thorough background check.
4. High School diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s Degree in related field or four years’ experience with direct childcare in a residential or mental health setting preferred.
5. Maintains required annual training as applicable per education level. Additional training is required and provided for those without a degree or experience.
6. Is trained in Safe Crisis Management (SCM) Emergency Safety Physical Interventions (ESPI). Remains current on ESPI review. Is willing to use ESPI when necessary in keeping with our policy.
7. Is trained in CPR and First Aid. Remains current.
8. Must have been a Youth Care Worker for at least one year.
Letters of interest with resumes for this position will be accepted through October 8, 2019 (EST). If you are interested, please submit your letter of interest and resume’ to Jennifer Hamilton/Human Resources @ Jennifer.hamilton@kyumh.org.
