Youth Care Advocate

PURPOSE: This position has the responsibility for the day-to-day supervision of children in the residential shelters, assisting with record keeping and specific program functions as well as performing duties necessary for the overall care and well-being of children in the residence. The Youth Care Advocate is responsible for understanding and actively participating in the Therapeutic Campus.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Assist in the efforts of an intentionally structured environment to help reinforce proper behaviors through the context of community life and personal responsibility.
• Assume responsibility for the direct supervision of children placed in the residential shelters.
• Participate in the daily group for children which may include leading or co-leading. The purpose is to set daily expectations and review shift schedule.
• Follow the program schedule, instructions, and assignments outlined by the Activities Manager, Point Person, Cottage Coordinator, and/or Shelter Cottage Manager.
• Interact with, initiate, and encourage children in structured educational, social, therapeutic, and recreational activities.
• Ensure that children participate in structured group activities as outlined on the Activities Calendar.
• Provide appropriate role modeling and direction to the children in their daily routines.
• Collaboratively work with other Youth Care Advocates, Cottage Coordinators, and staff to listen and meet the needs of the children while in our care.
• Understand and follow Youth Haven’s policies and procedures and Florida Department of Children and Families (FDCF) licensing requirements.
• Perform duties, as assigned, in the care and maintenance of the program and facility.
• Utilize Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) techniques with children once fully trained.
• Perform daily childcare responsibilities as assigned including; group assignment, meal preparation, serving food, eating with children, and assisting with children as needed.
• After passing the Medication Course the Youth Care Advocate will be approved to administer medications.
• Document, secure, and administer prescribed and over-the-counter medication as outlined by written medical orders under the direction of the Cottage Coordinator, and Shelter Cottage Manager.
• Responsible for all cleaning and laundry duties related to a well-maintained shelter including, but not limited to, all rooms in the cottage.
• Responsible for driving children to group outings, school, summer camp etc.
• File records in an orderly and timely fashion as assigned by the Cottage Coordinator.
• Ensure that each child has all of their belongings at discharge and that all necessary paperwork is completed.
• Ensure that each child completes a satisfaction survey monthly.
• Responsible for maintaining accurate records daily including, but not limited to, the shift reports, medication log, vehicle log, communication log, and case notes on assigned youth.
• Ensure that safety equipment and supplies are always on hand.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and weekly one-on-one meetings with the Cottage Coordinator.
• Attend case staffing meetings as required by the Shelter Cottage Manager.
• Complete the 40+ hours of pre-service training prior to beginning floor training and 30+hours of training, annually.
• Member of the PQI Team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.