Youth Care Worker

Description

A world where every child is safe, every family is strong, and hope outshines hardship. We help children heal from trauma so they can build healthy relationships, succeed in education and discover their own world of opportunities and possibilities. This happens by engaging a child in the context of their family issues. We know that, to end a cycle of abuse or trauma, we must work with children to clarify their thoughts and feelings and get a realistic view of each family member’s role in their life.

In response to this community-wide challenge, Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS), now operates 12 programs in 34 locations, serving nearly 4,500 children and families each year, which provide children with permanent homes and adults with increased self-sufficiency. This is accomplished by the agency’s commitment to “The PCHAS Way” which inspires the agency to be strength-focused, family-centered, and goal driven with every client.

Benefits of serving children and families in need through PCHAS include competitive salaries, flex work schedules, paid time off, medical, dental and vision insurance options, voluntary life insurance options, paid holidays, and a very generous retirement plan (after one year of service and working 1,000 hours the agency matches an employee 200% up to a 3%.

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

This position serves on a full-time basis in the Transitional Living program and is responsible for providing appropriate supervision and behavior management support for residents to ensure safety and stability. Maintains the environment to licensure standard. Provides support, and education opportunities to assist youth to build independent living skills. Provide shift coverage and/or on-call support in the absence of full-time staff.

Job Functions:

• Provide supervision, structure, and nurture for youth by utilizing TBRI techniques to daily living skills; anger management and conflict resolution skills; decision making skills. Provide verbal feedback to youth regarding skill growth. As necessary, utilize SCM intervention techniques according to agency protocol.
• Participate in daily health/safety inspections and report any concerns to supervisor and maintenance as needed. Conduct monthly fire, tornado and earthquake drills.
• Maintain accurate and current daily documentation of each youth in CSWIS and other documentation according to agency, licensing, and accreditation standards.
• Dispense medication as prescribed after completing the Medication Technician Certification class. Maintain accurate medication records. Monitor physical well-being of residents.
• Participate in mandatory team meetings, individual supervisory sessions, and trainings as scheduled.
• Implement daily life skills groups and document accordingly.
• Provide transportation of youth to school, appointments, jobs, etc., as needed or requested.
• Assist youth with preparing meals according to the weekly menu.

Working Conditions:

Works in a “home-like” cottage/house setting and in the community at times. Requires prolonged standing and walking; bending and reaching, and a great deal of stamina to work long hours. May require lifting up to 50 pounds. May require participation in the safe physical containment of an escalated resident engaged in self-harming or physically aggressive behavior toward others.

Requirements

• Minimum of High School Diploma or GED; human service college courses, Associates Degree or Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Upon employment, must pursue continuing education and /or in-service training required for this position.
• Must be at least 21 years of age; prior child care experience preferred.
• Ability to develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with youth displaying behavioral and emotional problems; an ability to maintain an appropriate balance between being authoritative and supportive; and ability to not take children’s negative comments or behaviors personally; and must be able to make sound decisions in crisis situations and under pressure.
• Personal maturity is an extremely important attribute. Must be able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to drive a van and/or automobile safely, both day and night.
• Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Must be able to interact with resident and other staff from various ethnic groups in a culturally competent and professional manner.

Other Requirements:

Must hold a valid driver’s license, have and maintain a risk‑free driving record. Must be willing to undergo initial and periodic child abuse/neglect, criminal history, sexual offender, and child care/elder care disqualification list screenings. As requested, must submit fingerprints for review by the state of your employment and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Must undergo a pre‑employment drug screen and a pre‑employment physical with the results showing no evidence of communicable disease. Must be willing to work 12 hour shifts.

Christian Commitment:

Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) is a faith-based organization guided by Christ’s love, dedicated to creating a world where every child is safe, every family is strong, and hope outshines hardship.

Through Christ-centered care, we empower children, young adults, and families by nurturing their strengths, resilience, and faith. We strive to serve like Jesus—meeting those we serve where they are, treating them with dignity and compassion, and walking alongside them with grace and understanding.

At PCHAS, we focus on the strengths and potential within each individual, encouraging those we serve to look forward with hope and confidence rather than being defined by past challenges. When we live out this mission well, we help children and families experience hope, thrive in their journeys, and know the enduring love of God.