Job Description

Posting number: 2603675

Department: DHHS Youth Shelter Care

Job classification: Youth Care Specialist

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Social Services, Human Services

Summary

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.

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.

Hours:

Part-Time 20 to 24 hours a week

Including every other weekend & some holidays

Shifts include 8am-6pm & 10am-8pm

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.

BENEFITS:

Outagamie County offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes being a part of the Wisconsin Retirement System Pension.

The Outagamie County Employee & Family Clinic is at no cost to Outagamie County employees and dependents (ages 12 months and older; PT age 13 & up) enrolled in a County health insurance plan. Health coaching is available at no cost to all employees. Health coaching is also available to dependents (age 12 yrs and up) enrolled in a County health insurance plan.

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 community service providers.
• Ability to maintain composure and exercise good judgment in a variety of environments including normal working conditions and high stress situations.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model for youth residents and provide positive direction and supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, parents, social workers, public defenders, juvenile intake workers, school personnel, mental health professional, law enforcement, maintenance workers, and other providers both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate and complete records, and prepare clear and comprehensive reports.
• Must operate a variety of office equipment including personal computer, computer terminal, calculator, telephone, fax, Electronic Monitoring and security equipment.
• Ability to operate a variety of household appliances including dishwasher, microwave, clothes washer and dryer, vacuum cleaner, etc.
• Recognize and respond to residents' health needs.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 30 pounds.