Youth Care Worker (ages 10-17)

Description:

Are you excited by the prospect of working for an organization that values your professional development, offers promotional opportunities, has flexible hours, gives you a chance to make a difference in the lives of children and families. If so, read on!

WHO IS YFA?Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. (YFA) is a progressive not-for-profit organization of 300+ staff who are dedicated to working in partnership with communities and families to create a safe, nurturing environment for children and to lead the way in building a bridge for children to have a stable and loving family. Established in 1970, YFA has been around for over 50 years, with services spanning seven counties across Florida. No matter the role, we believe every team member at YFA has a critical role in supporting our children and our communities and we constantly strive to ensure a positive, purpose-driven, dynamic work environment for you to learn, grow and meet your fullest potential. If these values appeal to you and you would like to invest your time, energy, and talent in a cause that can make a difference in a child and family’s future, then we may have a place for you on our team!

Entry-level Direct Care position responsible for the supervision of clients (10 to 17 years) in a residential program.

• Acts as first line role model for clients demonstrating, through words and actions, appropriate behaviors and social interactions utilizing the Youth Development System
• Performs tasks including but not limited to facility maintenance; food service including shopping, preparation and cooking supervision of clients on field trips and during daily activities and timely record keeping responsibilities, as directed
• Requires a low level of autonomy under the continual supervision of the Youth Development Team Leader
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing

Specific job responsibilities and goals include but are not limited to:

• Utilize the Youth Development System to effectually identify key areas of development for each youth in coordination with the shelter counselors, youth development team leader, and director.
• Provide direct supervision for residents under the direction of the Residential Supervisor. This includes scheduling and assigning chores, directly and actively showing residents how to do chores and working with residents to complete tasks as assigned as outlined in the Youth Development System with an emphasis on the outcome achieved by completing these tasks.
• Report any unusual behavior, which could indicate other problems. It is expected that staff will utilize crisis intervention techniques with an emphasis on being proactive in addressing potential conflict and not allowing behaviors to escalate.
• Maintain order and discipline among residents. This includes assigning appropriate consequences for unacceptable behavior and once trained, using acceptable Crisis Intervention techniques as appropriate.
• Lead group discussions with residents as outlined in the Youth Development System.
• Plan recreational activities for residents and participate when appropriate. Staff will be responsible for ensuring that activities align with the development themes outlined in the Youth Development System.
• Complete monitoring notes, runaway and incident reports, and client case records for residents.
• Complete clerical aspects of intake process for new residents.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• $19 per hour
• 14 Days of PTO, incrementally increasing annually
• 13 Paid holidays
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Immediate eligibility for 403b Savings Plan with match after 12 months
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Paid Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities
• An opportunity to make the world a better place!

Requirements:

WHAT YOU NEED:

Education & Experience:

High School Diploma or GED required, AA preferred; 2+ years of direct work experience with adolescents preferred. Work experience in a Residential setting a plus. Florida driver’s license and clean DMV record required.

Physical Requirements:

Requires a high degree of physical activity including the ability to run, jump, bend, and stand for significant time periods (2+ hours), lift and carry 50+ pounds. The ability to travel on a regional basis as needed for training and transport.

Additional Requirements and Expectations:

Clean driving record and able to pass a level II background screen and drug urinalysis. We are a tobacco free company. Must be a minimum of 21 years of age and have 24 months of verifiable work experience/internship/work as volunteer.

Location: 7522 Plathe Road, New Port Richey FL