Direct Care Worker

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.•Newark, NJ

3d•$23 - $25

About The Position

The Direct Care Worker provides direct supervision, support, transportation, personal care, skill-building services, and stabilization to youth experiencing behavioral, emotional, mental health, developmental, medical, or family-related challenges. Services are delivered in in-home, temporary housing or hotel-based, and community-based settings to promote safety, stability, independence, and successful daily functioning. Youth served may have behavioral challenges, developmental disabilities, previous trauma, crisis needs, or complex child welfare involvement. The Direct Care Worker serves as a positive role model and support person, assisting youth with individualized service goals, activities of daily living, behavioral support, medication administration, and community integration. The role requires flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to respond effectively to the diverse needs of youth and families.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience providing personal care and assisting with activities of daily living.
Experience in home health, residential treatment, behavioral health, foster care, child welfare, or community-based human services programs.
Basic computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and current auto insurance coverage.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher preferred.
One year of experience working with youth, individuals with behavioral health challenges, developmental disabilities, medical needs, or related populations preferred.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA), or similar certification preferred.
Medication Administration Certification and experience administering medication in accordance with regulatory requirements highly preferred.
Current CPR and First Aid Certification preferred.
Experience using electronic health record (EHR) systems is a plus.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision, support, transportation, personal care, skill-building services, and stabilization to youth.
Assist youth with individualized service goals and activities of daily living.
Provide behavioral support and medication administration.
Support youth with community integration.
Serve as a positive role model and support person.