Youth Support and Transportation Specialist I

Youth Care Specialist

Provide safety, childcare, in-region transportation, and empathetic adult guidance to clients. This role requires sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the service population and the ability to work independently.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the physical, medical, emotional care, and safety of clients.
• Use and support a Trauma Informed Care model.
• Perform duties such as meal preparation.
• Provide care to children without on-site supervision and use judgment to seek supervision when needed.
• Work flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays based on client needs.
• Transport children and have reliable transportation with minimum liability insurance.
• Possess a valid Texas driver's license and be able to operate a multi-passenger vehicle with a clean driving record.

Working Conditions:

• Frequent and prolonged driving in agency-issued vehicles, including multi-passenger vans, as a core function of the role.
• Exposure to children with behavior problems, including possible physical aggression.
• Exposure to illness and blood.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the service population.

Confidentiality:

Maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to personal and client records

Expectations:

Values:

• Maintain high ethical standards.
• Empower others to solve their problems.
• Value a nurturing family environment.
• Believe in the capacity of people to grow and change.
• Establish respectful relationships to help clients gain skills and confidence.
• Work collaboratively with other personnel and service providers.
• Maintain a helping role and intervene appropriately to meet service goals.
• Set appropriate limits and represent OCOK professionally.

Client Care:

• Administer and document medication as directed.
• Establish and follow appropriate routines for childcare.
• Provide clients with basic needs and a clean, safe living environment.
• Supervise clients based on their needs.
• Support case plans and teach clients day-to-day skills.

Policies and Procedures:

• Complete all required documentation (incident reports, case notes, medical documentation, etc.).
• Maintain staff-to-client ratio as determined by the supervisor.
• Follow DFPS minimum standards.

Deadlines:

• Complete incident reports and case notes within 24 hours.
• Notify the supervisor of serious incidents immediately.
• Complete and maintain the required training hours within the outlined timeframe.
• Ensure clients attend appointments on time.

Program Operations:

• Maintain necessary documentation on fiscal matters.
• Attend and participate in shift change meetings and other staffing as directed.
• Provide clients with opportunities to learn and practice skills.
• Participate in planning and implementing childcare activities.
• Perform any other duties as directed by the supervisor.
• Maintain safety, confidentiality, and protection of clients.
• Build strong relationships with volunteer organizations.
• Transport clients to appointments.

Youth Care and Support:

• Collaborate with family and other support systems to advocate for clients.
• Work with TDFPS and other caseworkers to support clients.
• Collaborate with resources to support clients' individual needs and transition goals.

Education: High School diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree in a human service field preferred.

Experience: Minimum 6 months of childcare and positive guidance of youth. Experience working in a child placing agency, residential, or professional setting preferred.

MVR Requirements: Must be able to transport children, have reliable transportation with a minimum of liability. Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and be able to operate a multi-passenger vehicle. A minimum of 2 years of valid driving experience is required. Must have a driving record, which is within the guidelines of the insurance underwriter.