Job Description

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Andrew B. Ferrari Argus Houseis seeking Part-Time (Temporary) Relief Workers to join our team and support young men who face interpersonal, academic, and behavioral health challenges. These Relief Workers are responsible for the safety and supervision of the residents, for the operation of the group home during scheduled shifts, and for the continuity of program services. They will implement the daily program activities according to the group home schedule, including leading structured activities, conducting peer group meetings, administering medications, supervising meals, and overseeing chores. Relief Workers evaluate and report on resident behaviors and interactions verbally and in writing. Work hours occur during the overnight, weekdays, evenings, weekends, and County holidays.

The Argus House, operated by the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, is a Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) that serves middle- and high-school aged adolescents as well as young adults who are transitioning to independence. To learn more about our mission, please click here

Specific duties include:

• Providing supervision, case management, and counseling within peer milieu to help residents resolve social problems, improve communication skills, and help others by providing support and feedback;

• Collaborating with full-time counselors to plan and lead daily activities in the milieu such as leisure education, homework completion, meal prep, and life skills training;

• Administering medications to youth as prescribed following the medical policies and procedures of the Argus House Program (training will be provided);

• Monitoring and documenting residents’ progress and adjusting interventions as needed to meet their evolving needs. Participating in monthly relief team meetings;

• Sending out and receiving residents who go on home passes, processing incidents that arise, and preparing residents for the coming week;

• Maintaining annual training requirements including first aid, CPR, Handle with Care, and other necessary trainings;

• Maintaining accurate, confidential, and daily documentation of resident activities including, daily documentation (to include notes, medication signatures and house log);

• Assisting residents with their homework to support their academic success and ensure they achieve their educational goals; and

• Transporting residents using a 15-passenger van.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A knowledge and understanding of the unique characteristics of Arlington’s diverse population and experience working with Northern Virginia boys and their families;

• Expertise in using compassionate and evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Positive Peer Culture, and Therapeutic Recreation approaches; and
• Schedule flexibility to meet the needs of clients outside of school-day hours.

Please Note: The work must be done within regulations and guidelines set by the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Council on Accreditation (COA), the Prison Rape Elimination Act, and the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Services Unit.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma/equivalent; and

• Some experience providing direct human services, counseling, and/or experience in the criminal justice field.

Licenses Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Driver License and must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of driving record; and

• Must obtain and maintain certifications in required training areas for Virginia group home staff: Handle with Care, CPR and First Aid, Virginia Medication Aide Training (MAT) certification, Food Service manager (ServSafe).

Substitution: College coursework in a human service-related field may substitute experience on a year-for- year basis.

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with a degree in a related Human Services field and possession of one or more of the following:

• Working in a multilingual and multicultural environment;

• Understanding the Court system;

• Working with various community resources; and/or

• Bilingual ability in English & Spanish (oral and written).

Special Requirements

Background Check: A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, Child Protective Services Central Registry search, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Health Requirement: A negative TB result must be provided prior to starting employment.

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions.

Additional Information

Work hours: Part time, 8-24 hours per week on an as-needed basis. Positions require weekday, evening, weekend, and overnight hours. The final schedule will be determined by program supervisor when employee is hired. Overnight and holiday work is required.

Work Schedule: This position is classified as essential. Selected candidate must be available for call back, working on call, during weekends, holidays, and emergencies.

The official title of this position is: Human Services Aide V

For more information on Arlington's generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programsLearn more about our commitment.

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