Temporary Residential Care Worker (as needed)

County of Riverside, CA•Beaumont, CA

70d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, provides direct care for children and youth ages birth to 17 years in protective custody and awaiting placement in a residential setting at Harmony Haven Children and Youth Center. Incumbents perform the more routine duties involved with the supervision and care of children and youth, including observing and documenting their behavior, development and needs, instructing them on the development and use of essential life skills, and supporting their overall daily needs. The department desires candidates who have professional experience working with children. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Incumbents must be comfortable working in an environment that includes walking on uneven terrain, and working near wild animals such as snakes, bobcats, raccoons, etc. Also keeping in mind the above working conditions while working in the evening or overnight. IMPORTANT! All applicants for positions at Harmony Haven Children's and Youth Center must meet the minimum age requirement of at least 21 years of age as required by the Transitional Shelter Care Facility Operating Standards by the California Department of Social Services. Applicants who are under 21 years of age are not eligible for positions within Harmony Haven but may be eligible for positions in other divisions or departments.

Requirements

Six months as a Community Services Assistant and/or Social Services Assistant in any Riverside County department.
One year of performing direct care services in either a social service, healthcare, mental health, or a public or private agency and/or organization.
Completion of 6 semester or 9 quarter units from an accredited college or university preferably with course work in psychology, sociology, social welfare, social/human services, other behavioral sciences, or a related field to the assignment.
Knowledge of: Basic public social service programs at the state and local level; basic principles of public assistance policies, laws, rules, and regulations governing public social services agencies; current issues, in the field of social services; behavioral patterns of the disadvantaged including children and youth; cultural and ethnic attitudes towards community and social services; basic principles of interviewing and problem-solving methods; basic dynamics of child development; principle of group dynamics control and discipline; basic psychological, behavioral, sociological, and cultural factors in dealing with dependent children; state and county rules, regulations, and procedures governing emergency childcare/residential care facilities; Welfare and Institutions Code.
Ability to: Work effectively with a wide variety of agencies, organizations, and individuals; interview, evaluate children and youth and recognize the relevant and significant factors pertaining to their needs; implement basic social service plans and monitor children and youth's progress toward established goals; understand and evaluate basic psychological, cultural, and social factors affecting behavioral patterns; explain department procedures; interpret agency programs and policies to individuals, agencies, and organizations; read and interpret information obtained from computers, microfilms, and written documents; obtain information in a non-intrusive but persuasive manner; interact effectively with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Assist children with meals, bathing, hygiene and other daily routine tasks.
Supervise and account for children and youth.
Develop, plan, supervise, and participate in daily recreational and social activities, including outdoor programs and physical exercise.
Implement facility policies, procedures, and techniques to assess and instruct children and youth in positive behavior management, socialization, and living skills.
Observe and document the behavior, development and needs of children and youth; prepare incident and other written reports.
Consult and communicate with shift leaders, supervisors and professional staff concerning behavior issues and the needs of children and youth.
Perform light housekeeping duties to ensure a neat, clean and orderly environment, such as bed making, laundry, and take inventory of clothes, linens, food and supplies.
Give verbal and physical reassurance and provide guidance to children and youth in distress.
Interview involved parties and/or respond to critical incidents and emergency situations.
Participate and assist in de-escalation and emergency hands-on techniques.
Conduct conferences with assigned residents to document behavior and progress.
Carry out daily living plans for children and youth, developed by a multi-disciplinary team of facility staff.
Transport and/or accompany individual and groups of children and youth to appointments or on field trips outside the facility.
Participate and assist in life saving measures such as First Aid, Narcan and Defibrillator.
Order and restock supplies.
Conduct group meetings with children and youth to discuss facility rules and procedures, address concerns, and provide instructional information on appropriate behavior management and use of living skills.
Assist in the intake and release of children and youth.
Provide responsive, high-quality service to County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner.