Youth Care Worker

Youth Care Worker

FSLA- Non-Exempt - Part-Time over 20 hours per week

Reports to Program Manager

Mobile Babies First

Position Summary:

The Youth Care Worker works closely with the Group Home Manager to provide nurturing, direct care, and supervision of residents in a group home environment. The Youth Care Worker provides support and training in basic living skills to help each resident achieve goals as outlined in their Case Plan or Treatment Plan. Staff in this position plan, organize, and administer the daily activities of each resident. Youth Care Workers are responsible for ensuring that each resident’s physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and educational needs are met. Youth Care Workers are required to work a variable schedule, which includes overnight stay in the group home, and perform job responsibilities as outlined in the corresponding job guide.

Responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively with other staff to provide supervision of residents.
• Maintains confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Is knowledgeable of residents’ social history and uses that information to better understand their various emotional difficulties and needs.
• Provides transportation to school, appointments, church, recreational activities, etc.
• Plans menus and ensures nutritionally balanced meals are prepared.
• Administers medication to residents at the appropriate time.
• Abides by the UMCH Behavior Management Policy, which prohibits harsh or corporal punishment. Staff are trained in the use of Love and Logic and expected to adhere to this program of behavior management.
• Provides Basic Living Skills in accordance with the Alabama Medicaid Manual Chapter 105 and as specified in the resident’s individual treatment plan.
• Is sensitive to residents’ cultural and socioeconomic background.
• Provides praise and positive feedback to help build the self-confidence and esteem of residents.
• Administers consequences to residents that are appropriate and consistent.
• Maintains and coordinates the day-to-day schedules of each resident, including but not limited to meals, household chores, school attendance, homework, extra-curricular activities, etc.
• Completes required paperwork promptly.
• Follows UMCH policy regarding safety practices, procedures, and universal precautions.
• Implements fire and tornado drills
• Adheres to UMCH Policy and Procedure and Minimum Standards.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality as situations dictate. Abides by HIPAA rules and regulations.
• Works with other staff and the program manager to develop ways to handle stressful situations and emergencies in a calm, professional manner.
• Responsible for maintaining the group home in a clean, safe, and comfortable manner.
• Functions in accordance with the appropriate job guide and other assigned duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Must be a high school graduate or have an equivalent certification (GED).
• Six (6) months of paid experience working in a residential or environment with youth and/or families required.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Must be physically able to participate in various activities of residents.
• Proficiency in computer use and understanding of basic word processing and spreadsheet software required.
• Using the English language requires verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills that allow for professional interaction with staff, stakeholders, and the general public.
• Must have a valid driver's license from the state of residence.
• Must have proof of automobile liability insurance and a driving record that will allow coverage on the Agency’s insurance policy.
• Must receive a satisfactory background check that includes a check of employment and personal references, criminal history, driving background, Child Abuse & Neglect Registry, and pass a pre-employment physical examination, including a TB skin test and drug screen.

Physical Requirements:

• Vision: Must be able to drive, read reports, observe conditions related to work, view computer screen, etc.
• Cognitive: Must be able to think independently, logically, and problem solve.
• Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with co-workers, employees, families and the general public.
• Standing/Walking/Mobility: Must be able to stand to open files and operate office machines, mobility to drive, get in and out of private homes as well as work area, some standing for prolonged periods for presentation. Normal coordination including eye-hand and hand-foot.
• Climbing/Stooping, Kneeling: Must be able to stoop and kneel as needed to file, retrieve documents, assist families and perform CPR and First Aid, etc.
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift and carry up case files, lap top computer which may weigh up to 20 pounds.
• Manual Dexterity: Must be able to write, type, use telephone system, file, drive, etc.

As followers of Christ, our passion for serving is motivated by compassion and a calling to provide homes, healing, and hope. We strive to be there for individuals who need someone to care for them when those closest to them can’t adequately provide that care. Those we serve experience hardships no one should have to face, including neglect, abuse, and abandonment. We nurture these vulnerable individuals by embracing them, meeting them where they are, and loving them unconditionally. We’re not only providing them with homes, we’re giving them a system of support and care to help them flourish. While faith is the core of our mission, we are driven by a desire to nurture, support, and prepare individuals for productive, thriving futures. We believe we can break what often becomes a cycle of neglect and circumstance for many vulnerable children and families. Our caring and compassionate team works to change the trajectory of the lives of those we serve in our homes and our programs are centered around family preservation, foster care, and school readiness.