Youth Advocate

Twin Falls County•Twin Falls, ID

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a Full-time position. Days and hours vary depending upon the needs of the facility. Applicants MUST be willing to work at least two GRAVEYARD shifts (12am-8am) a week, and available to work other swing (2pm-12am), day (8am-4pm), weekend and holiday shifts as needed. CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY Performs activities such as interacting with adolescents, cleaning, cooking, and participating in recreational activities with youth at the Safe House. The Safe House is a group home for adolescents funded through State and County contracts, grants and private donations. The Safe House Youth Care Provider requires patience, understanding, effective communication, life skills training, and organizational and report writing skills. The classification requires a valid Idaho license to transport youth to various appointments. Work is usually performed in a group home environment.

Requirements

Knowledge of child protection, trauma informed care, substance abuse and addictions and mental health
Knowledge of Department policies and procedures
Knowledge of interpersonal relations and communication, conflict mediation, negotiation, and incident de-escalation and resolution methods and techniques
Knowledge of operation of a personal computer and job-related software applications
Knowledge of operation of standard office equipment
Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and composition
Knowledge of County policies regarding safe work practices
Ability to work effectively and without prejudice with young people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, sexual orientation, and belief systems
Ability to assist youth with prescribed medications
Ability to apply de-escalation techniques when needed
Ability to administer CPR/First Aid when needed
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate, timely and complete logs, case notes, and incident reports
Must meet all state licensing requirements for position; IDAPA 16.06.02
Ability to speak clearly and communicate accurate information to others
Ability to use English to communicate effectively with others
Proficiently operate computers, software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar office software to create documents and other materials, maintain information, and generate reports
Ability to listen carefully to, understand, and effectively communicate through oral, written, and interpersonal communication channels
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
Ability to work independently and exercise initiative, with general guidance and supervision
Ability to use good judgment to make sound and reasonable decisions and problem-solving skills to respond to youth service needs in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established policies
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and demeanor at all times
Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
Ability to demonstrate integrity and ingenuity the performance of assigned tasks and solving problems
Ability to perform all duties in accordance with County policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public
Ability to maintain confidentiality
High school diploma or GED is required
Experience working with young people
Meet Idaho licensing requirements for Youth Advocate
Must be at least 21 years old
Valid Idaho driver's license
Must successfully pass background investigation relevant to the position, including fingerprints and remain in good standing for the duration of employment with the County

Nice To Haves

An Associate's Degree is preferred in Social Work, Juvenile Justice or related field
An equivalent combination of education and experience working with young people that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered

Responsibilities

Supervise youth and make sound decisions especially during stressful situations
Cooks meals, assists with homework, transports youth to appointments, and engages youth in recreational activities
Cleans the Safe House and trains youth to clean the facility
Maintains communication with youth to reinforce positive youth development
Prepares and maintains accurate, timely and complete logs, case notes, and incident reports
Transports youth to and from appointments
Responds to Commissioners', elected officials', County employees' and citizens' questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner
Performs time management and scheduling functions, meets deadlines, and sets project priorities
Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate co-workers to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities
Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings and required training sessions
Adhere to guidelines of Code of Ethics for Youth Advocates (CEYA)
Maintains strict confidentiality in all cases
Assists other department and County employees as needed or requested
Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices
Performs other duties as assigned