At-Risk Youth Worker

County of St. Clair•St. Clair County Day Treatment/Night Watch, MI

About The Position

Under direction, the At-Risk Youth Worker provides for the care, safety, and security of students, staff, and visitors to the program. The role assists with program implementation, serves as a role model, and enforces rules in a behavioral management setting using positive and negative reinforcement. Work is performed under the direction of the Probate Court - Family Division Administrator and the Director of Youth Services, with direct supervision by the Program Manager. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The worker supervises youth, supports their educational and emotional needs, responds to behavioral and crisis situations, documents youth progress and incidents, and helps coordinate recreational activities and transportation. The position may be assigned to either DTNW program location and may temporarily assume Shift Leader duties in the Shift Leader's absence. This role requires irregular hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and unanticipated overtime. It involves physical activity, possible physical intervention and restraint, contact with people who may have communicable diseases, and potential exposure to bodily fluids. Personal protective equipment such as gloves and hand sanitizer is used. The work environment has a moderate noise level, frequent interruptions, and risks related to youth physical and emotional behavior.

Requirements

High school graduation from an accredited school or GED, supplemented by college coursework in Child Development, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a closely related field.
One to three years of responsible work experience.
Ability to remain calm and appropriately manage emergencies.
Writing, reading, and mathematical skills; proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions in accordance with policies and procedures.
Ability to research and solve problems independently, prioritize tasks, manage time, handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service, support the County's mission and values, and think critically.
Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks, including operating standard office equipment; document management; preparing and maintaining records, correspondence, and reports; answering and referring inquiries; answering telephone calls; processing mail; ordering supplies and equipment; preparing meeting agendas; attending meetings; recording, transcribing, and distributing minutes; maintaining written or electronic information accurately; and maintaining calendars and arranging meetings, rooms, and equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively with management, co-workers, and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; understand complex instructions and respond accordingly; and communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports, or other professional correspondence.
Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English; follow written and verbal instructions; and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, and manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes, and apply procedures using good judgment.
Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; interact appropriately with County officials, employees, vendors, and the general public; and work under supervision while receiving instructions, feedback, coaching, counseling, or discipline.
Adaptability to changes in the work environment, competing demands, frequent changes, delays, and unexpected events.
Knowledge of customer and personal service principles and processes, including assessing customer needs, meeting service quality standards, and evaluating customer satisfaction.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including but not limited to Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook; proficiency may be tested.
Satisfactory pre-employment screening, which may include drug screening, physical examination, criminal background check, Central Registry clearance, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, credit check, school and employment records, home environment, personal traits, integrity, and professional and personal references.
Successfully complete an annual background check throughout employment.
Possess a valid State of Michigan Operator's License and maintain eligibility to drive under the County's vehicle policy.
Possess valid CPR, first aid, and AED certification, or successfully complete the training within 90 days of employment.
Successfully complete all training required by the department and state regulations.
Meet the physical demands of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations, including the ability to lift, move, or carry items weighing up to 50 pounds and to apprehend individuals and exert the force necessary to implement physical restraint and management techniques.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree with a major in Child Development, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a closely related field.
Experience working with at-risk or delinquent youth.

Responsibilities

Closely supervise DTNW Program youth to ensure safety measures are met and order is maintained.
Provide leadership and observe, confront, and redirect youth behavior within a behavioral management setting.
Refer acute problems to appropriate staff members.
Assist the educational provider with schooling and school-related activities as needed.
Immediately report suspected abuse or neglect of youth.
Assist the clinical provider in providing appropriate emotional support to youth.
Participate in staffing and team meetings as requested to discuss observations of youth behavior.
Listen empathetically to youth regarding family, problems, court hearings, homework, and interpersonal relationships.
Prepare reports and documents summarizing youth progress, incidents, behavior, and other required information for probation officers, clinicians, the court, and others.
Oversee, referee, and supervise recreational activities.
Intervene as necessary in crisis situations.
Follow policy and procedural guidelines for physical restraint and management.
Transport youth to and from home, court appointments, community service projects, recreational outings, and other destinations.
Perform duties at either DTNW program location as assigned.
Maintain and enforce DTNW policies, rules, and regulations.
May temporarily assume the duties and responsibilities of the Shift Leader in their absence.
Model professional interactions with supervisors, youth, co-workers, family members, and others connected to the program.
Provide first aid and investigate illness or injury complaints to determine whether additional medical services are needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.