Lead Youth Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Lead   Youth Development Specialist will assist the Program Manager with staff coaching and training. They are integral in designing and implementing opportunities for youth to learn and practice new skills within a therapeutic 24 hour care environment.  The Lead will assist the team in planning and monitoring daily activities of youth within the milieu of 24 hour care.  The Lead Youth Development Specialist provides supportive services to youth based on their service plans and program goals and will work with and assist the team in developing and modifying the service plans based on the needs of the client which may include educational support to assist with the facilitation of educational enrichment, groups, activities, community service, etc. with youth both within the school day and on non-school days throughout the year. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with the training and coaching of Youth Development Specialist staff.
• Collaborate with Program Manager to update and train on any changes to departmental processes or procedures.
• Work one-on-one with clients as needed.
• Provides instructional and behavioral support to the clients.  
• Monitors school attendance and provide instruction in the absence of a teacher, if needed.  
• Address off tasks behaviors using Agency appropriate Trauma Informed Care Model.
• Represent Agency for in home school transition meetings and team meetings, as needed. 
• Work collaboratively with school staff and clinical team to insure safe and productive learning and living environments. 
• Interact with clients in a positive and therapeutic manner according to policy, procedure, training and Agency Guiding Beliefs.
• Provide active supervision of clients at all times within assigned staffing ratios.
• Facilitate client activities/daily routines to include unit groups and specific programming as planned by Activities/Program Manager.
• Provide therapeutic counseling to groups and individual clients per program standards.
• Provide oversight/support to clients, client families, and ancillary service providers while clients are participating in community-based activities (pass, school, work, attending services/programs) as indicated per program.
• Maintain and document regular contact with individuals/agencies outside of the program providing services for/associated with clients.
• Observe, assess, and document client activity per agency/program standards (client logs, incident reports, behavior management logs).
• Attend child/family team meetings/reviews and provide verbal and written input per agency/program standards.
• Maintain physical plant to Agency and licensing standards.
• Maintain client confidentiality within all written and verbal communications
• Facilitate and document client’s self-administration of medications in accurate and timely manner.
• Adheres to St. Charles Youth & Family Services Policies and Procedures.
• Supports the goals of the agency mission/vision.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• GED or High School Diploma
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience with At Risk Youth.
• Ability to attend initial and ongoing training, which meets agency/program and licensing standards. 
• Ability to work on other living units as need(s) arise.
• Basic computer and keyboarding skills desirable.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to meet Agency driving standards and provide Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and proof of liability insurance, strongly preferred.
• Ability to display cultural competence and sensitivity to the populations we service by responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, socioeconomic characteristics, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors.

• Indoor/outdoor requirements; participation in both indoor and outdoor recreational activities.
• May require temporary assignment on other living units and/or shift as need(s) arise.
• Potential for physical intervention of clients as needed.
• Potential for exposure to blood products as a result of staff/client accident/injury.
• Travel approximately 10% using company vehicle.