CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build trust and rapport with young people experiencing homelessness and housing instability, young people who have experienced sexual exploitation and/or young people who are at risk.
• Engage, support, coach, and develop young people using healing-centered engagement practices and a strength-based approach.
• Provide on-site supervision, while maintaining professional boundaries in providing crisis intervention and services to young people. Must learn and apply positive behavior modification techniques and model effective de-escalation, problem-solving and mediation skills. Be willing to intervene in times of crisis using these skills.
• Complete necessary paperwork and data collection, including intake, enrollment, case notes as needed. Additionally complete incident reports within the required timeframe on any facility damage, medical emergencies or any incident which occurs out of the ordinary functioning of the site.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records, progress notes, logbooks, and other types of documentation and enter data into YouthCare’s Case Worthy client management system according to agency standards.
• Execute Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) tasks and accreditation standards and adhere to all agency policies and procedures.
• Comply with the agency’s mandated reporting requirement and report suspected abuse, neglect, or sexual exploitation of minors within the required timeframe.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with all site staff, partners, and volunteers to create a nurturing, dynamic, and constructive environment for young people.
• Support with coordination of basic needs, inclusion of meals, referrals to systems of support, clothing, etc.
• Develop and deliver group and individual programming to foster life and social skill development. Programming provides an opportunity for youth and young adults to engage, increase knowledge and skills, and moves young people toward the agency’s four core outcomes – housing stability, financial independence, community support, and wellness.
• Work collaboratively with other YouthCare programs, families, school district professionals, crisis services personnel, and staff from other agencies in support of youth.
• Communicate client needs and behaviors to the appropriate staff, and refer young people to appropriate and necessary services, as needed.
• Oversee the safety and cleanliness of the facility, including disinfecting surfaces and following cleaning protocols. Perform light janitorial work, including vacuuming/sweeping/mopping; taking out trash; and similar tasks, as outlined by site need and agency protocols. Compile maintenance requests and submit to program leadership/maintenance staff as needed
• Participate in regular supervision, client consultations, and staff and agency meetings. Attend and fully participate in meetings, professional development opportunities, and designated training sessions as required.
• Obtain and maintain certifications for all required trainings and certifications (including Food Handler’s License, BBP, CPR / First Aid, De-escalation, Mental Health First AID).
• Act as a professional representative of YouthCare and maintain a professional working environment (office, personal workspace, agency vehicle, etc.).
• Maintains a flexible work schedule (filling shifts on some weekends, early and/or late hours) and must be willing to be cross-trained in providing support with shift coverage in on-call basis for the program and the agency, as required by individual program needs.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with YouthCare staff and Case Managers in engaging young people in individualized education, employment and life skill plans and activities.
• With direction from Case Manager, help plan for, direct and/or provide support for recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities that are in alignment with client goals.
• Educate young people on independent living skills/tasks, including but not limited to personal care and food preparation.
• Provide transportation for outings and client appointments; operate the agency vehicle in accordance with law and in a safe manner.
• Assist in packing client belongings and cleaning and sanitizing exited bedrooms, and prepping bedrooms for incoming clients.
• At designated times, prepare and cook meals for up to 14 residents and staff.
• Dispense medication (as needed) and complete related documentation. Perform medication reconciliation and update medical binder forms according to individual program procedures and timeline.
• Maintain an awareness of client whereabouts and line of site supervision, as required. Complete room, bed and safety checks at required intervals and complete required documentation
• Engage and participate in weekly staff meetings and be an instrumental team member in supporting young people, by communicating effectively with all program staff, program participants, personnel from other agencies and visitors.