Direct Care Worker - PIVOT (4464)

The House of The Good Shepherd•Utica, NY

1d•$20 - $20

About The Position

To provide a safe, therapeutic environment for children residing in HGS programs. Child Care workers are considered members of the professional team, and role models for all children who reside in the agency. Individuals in child care positions may be required to work irregular hours, including nights, evenings, and weekends.

Requirements

Minimum high school or equivalency diploma required; some higher education preferred.
Experience working with juvenile justice involved youth highly desirable; sufficient maturity to work with and relate to youth required.
Commitment to following and embracing the Seven Commitments of our Sanctuary Model.
Ability to form positive relationships with youth.
Ability to understand and respond to youth's basic developmental needs.
Ability to understand and follow agency policy and Trauma Informed Care orientation.
Understanding of basic needs and developmental issues of youth in a way that promotes growth and respects individuality.
Asks age and developmentally appropriate questions and actively listens to youth’s responses.
Develops a warm, positive, nurturing relationship with each youth.
Follows mandated reporting requirements regarding child abuse and neglect.
Practices infection control, including appropriate hand washing procedures.
Uses knowledge of developmental milestones, assists children in participating at their individual level of interest and ability.
Serves as a mentor for youth role modeling appropriate social behavior.
Applies knowledge of youth development to plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities and environments.
Adapts activities and environments to meet the special needs and situations of individual youth.
Identifies developmentally appropriate behavior and reasonable expectations for youth’s behavior.
Uses observation as a way to “get to know” youth –their interests and developmental levels.
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and maintains boundaries at all times.
Valid New York state driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Supervise children in their daily routine in accordance with agency policy and procedures as well as any individual Enhanced Supervision Plans.
Participate in the implementation of ongoing activity programs for children in care as specified on the recreational calendar.
Maintain a safe, clean and homelike environment for children. This includes competing any household chores as assigned.
Manage all behaviors problems in a manner that reflects the agency's Sanctuary philosophy, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training, and agency policy and procedure.
Provide feedback regarding Individualized Crisis Management Plans and individualized treatment plans. Implement these plans as defined by the child's Primary Therapist/treatment team.
Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings and biweekly supervision.
Ensure completion of all written documentation as defined by program and agency policy and procedure.
Ensure that all program and agency policies and procedures are followed.
Ensure medication is passed as outlined in agency policy.
Ensure meals and snacks are prepared and served as scheduled.
Participate in professional development trainings as assigned by supervisor.
Successfully complete all required agency trainings as defined by program and agency policy.
Successfully complete Van Certification training in order to transport child on recreational outings and visitation.
Other related tasks and duties as assigned by supervisor.