Youth Care Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Youth Care Specialist (CSEC) REPORTS TO: Residential Treatment Coordinator LOCATION: Northwest Suburbs

ABOUT SHELTER YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES Shelter Youth & Family Services provides emergency housing, community-based services, and support for youth and families in crisis. Founded in 1975, we've grown into a leading voice for child welfare, human trafficking response, foster care innovation, and trauma-informed care in Illinois. With a current budget of $10M and ambitious plans to grow to $15M, our mission is to end the cycle of abuse and neglect by providing safe, healthy, and stable lives for children and families.

Shelter Youth & Family Services is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities. We actively strive to create an environment that supports all employees, placing value in contributions from people from diverse backgrounds, and honoring all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities. Our mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and transform communities. Joining us in this role will give you a chance to help fulfill that mission and help the community. Shelter and its facilities are drug and smoke-free environments.

Learn more at shelter-inc.org.

Shelter Youth and Family Services encourages the application of all bilingual applicants to work with our client community. Applicants who can successfully certify their skill level in reading, speaking, and writing in two languages with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may receive an additional salary stipend. Certification testing is set by DCFS.

POSITION OVERVIEW The Youth Care Specialist for the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Program will provide direct support and supervision for up to 12 female identifying youth who are survivors of human trafficking in a therapeutic, trauma-informed residential setting. This role requires compassion, consistency, and the ability to respond to the unique emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of youth who have experienced complex trauma.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

RESIDENT SUPERVISION AND TEACHING

1. Provide supervision, support, and mentoring to youth in accordance with program policies.
2. Implement trauma-informed care practices that emphasize safety, empowerment, and healing.
3. Supervise and assist residents with a structured daily schedule.
4. Assist youth with daily living skills, educational support, recreational activities and goal setting.
5. Model healthy coping skills, communication, and boundaries for youth.
6. Intervene in crisis situations using de-escalation strategies that prioritize safety.
7. Comply with agency policies and procedures and the Department of Children and Family Services "Code of Ethics for Child Welfare Professionals."

HOUSE MANAGEMENT

1. Support youth in completing daily chores and responsibilities to promote life skills and shared accountability.
2. Model and encourage respect for shared spaces, personal belongings, and community areas.
3. Monitor for safety hazards and promptly report or address maintenance concerns.
4. Teach and reinforce healthy routines related to hygiene, nutrition, and personal responsibility.
5. Assist with meal preparation, household organization, and upkeep as needed.
6. Oversee and maintain a clean, safe, and organized living environment in accordance with program and licensing standards.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

1. Follow program daily structure and routines.
2. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of youth progress, incidents and services.
3. Attend scheduled staff meetings and in-service training.
4. Carry out all duties as designated by the Program Coordinator.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Youth Care Specialists shall be supervised and directly accountable on all matters to the Program Coordinator.

HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT Multiple Full-time and Part Time Positions are available on all shifts and will be discussed during the interview.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be at least 25 years of age in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Licensing Standards for QRTP.
2. Bachelor's degree preferred in social services or related subjects or 2-3 years of experience working within a residential facility. Candidates with lived experience relevant to the work are strongly encouraged to apply.
3. Must meet Child Care Facility Driver requirements in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
4. Must have a valid driver's license, an automobile, and adequate automobile insurance.
5. Must complete a Medical and T.B. test providing proof of results.
6. Must be fingerprinted by the State of Illinois and must submit to a full Background Check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
7. Must submit official educational transcripts from the last school in which a degree was awarded.
8. Must become certified in CPR /First Aid, CPI, and complete in service Think Trauma and Human Trafficking training and New Hire Orientation prior to working independently.
9. Ability to lift 40 lbs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk; and use hands to handle or operate objects. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and reach with hands or arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Shelter is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities. We actively strive to create an environment that supports all employees, placing value in contributions from people from diverse backgrounds, and honoring all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily in the agency facilities, and occasionally in vehicles, meeting rooms both in the facility and at other agency sites.

CLASSIFICATION STATUS

This is a non-exempt position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $25/hour
• Benefits:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid holidays and generous PTO
• Professional development opportunities
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel

Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including individuals from historically underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a safe and inclusive workplace for all.