Lead Youth Care Worker

One Hope United • Lake Villa, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the assigned supervisor, the Lead Youth Care Worker is responsible for the daily management of a therapeutic residential living environment. The role promotes the development of emotional, mental, and physical health skills and provides a therapeutic, safe, structured environment in accordance with each youth’s Individual Treatment Plan and the OHU Residential Program Plan.

The position supervises youth, maintains a strengths-based and trauma-informed home environment, and teaches and mentors coworkers in managing the therapeutic milieu. The Lead Youth Care Worker also teaches, models, and participates in daily living, recreational, social, emotional regulation, and independent living instruction. The role includes maintaining certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) or another approved behavior modification program; following residential schedules and treatment plans; completing documentation; attending meetings and trainings; transporting youth and families to appointments; performing assigned on-call duties; and maintaining home-specific records and materials.

The work takes place in a group home, both indoors and outdoors, and may involve unpredictable clients, exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids, and occasional local or regional travel. The position requires physical participation in TCI restraints as needed and the ability to perform physical tasks including standing, stooping, squatting, running, walking, kneeling, and lifting items up to 20 pounds.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or a bachelor’s degree.
• One year of OHU residential experience.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record, with auto insurance meeting OHU coverage requirements.
• DCFS background check and approval to transport youth.
• Physical ability to complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) restraint training.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment and ability to develop skills with additional software applications as needed.
• Patience, a positive attitude, and willingness to develop skills and understanding related to youth with behavior disorders and/or mental health issues.
• Willingness to engage youth in social and recreational activities and act in a surrogate parent role, including helping with homework and chores, attending appointments and school activities, and meeting DCFS-related expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to build professional relationships.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to accept direction and modify interactions with youth as directed by the supervisory and clinical team.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including standing, stooping, squatting, running, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to participate in TCI restraints as needed.

Responsibilities

• Supervise youth in accordance with OHU and DCFS policies.
• Maintain a therapeutic home environment and interact with clients using a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach.
• Teach and mentor coworkers in daily management of a therapeutic milieu and in skills that support positive change in youth.
• Teach, model, and participate in individual and group instruction in daily living, recreational activities, social skills, emotional regulation, and independent living skills according to youth treatment plans.
• Maintain training and certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) or another approved behavior modification program.
• Follow the OHU Residential Program Plan, including the daily schedule, expectations, associated consequences, and mental health treatment of youth in residential care.
• Contribute to quality improvement practices to improve service delivery.
• Maintain teamwork with residential home staff, including attending weekly team meetings and staffings as required.
• Attend meetings, training, seminars, and conferences as assigned.
• Complete required documentation accurately and on time.
• Protect client and program confidentiality.
• Transport youth and their families to mandated court hearings, school and doctor appointments, and other case-related appointments.
• Perform assigned on-call duties.
• Participate in weekly clinical and team meetings.
• Complete home-specific duties, including maintaining calendars, vouchers, and youth home files.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tuition assistance up to $2,500 per fiscal year.
• Up to four weeks of paid vacation, up to six paid personal days, one paid mental health day, and up to five paid sick days annually.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Flexible spending accounts, health savings account, dependent care benefits, and commuter and transit benefits.
• Agency-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance up to $50,000 based on salary, and short-term disability coverage.
• Agency-paid long-term disability coverage after one year of employment.
• Voluntary supplemental life and accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage for employees and eligible family members.
• Voluntary legal plans.
• Voluntary pet insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program with six free counseling sessions.
• Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities.
• Free LCSW and LCPC supervision hours available in some locations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED