c/s Youth Care Specialist I

State of Delaware•Dover, DE

About The Position

The Youth Care Specialist I oversees and supervises youth in the program, modeling behavior-modification skills and building interpersonal relationships to support social adjustment. The role supports youth in daily activities and treatment, escorts and supervises them in and outside the facility, and oversees community trips that help youth practice life skills in preparation for returning to their communities. The specialist documents youth-related information in daily reports, monthly summaries, and other records, and assists youth with taking daily medication. This is a casual/seasonal position and is not pension-eligible. It does not include healthcare or other benefits. The position is represented by a labor organization and covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Employment is contingent on work authorization, pre-employment drug testing, and a satisfactory criminal background check. New hires attend Statewide New Employee Orientation on their first day.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 21 years of age.
Knowledge of behavior management, including understanding, explaining, describing, and predicting behavior; studying the connection between behavior and its causes; and identifying appropriate behavior-modification strategies.
Knowledge of supervising youth in daily activities such as recreation, treatment activities, meals, self-care, transportation, or education.
Knowledge of narrative report writing.
Valid driver's license that is not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified.

Responsibilities

Oversee and participate in the daily activities of an assigned group of youth, including recreation, education, rehabilitation and treatment activities, meals, personal hygiene, and maintaining living quarters.
Observe youth behavior and adjustment to programs and exchange written and oral reports about observations with staff daily.
Establish and maintain interpersonal relationships with youth to encourage and assist their social adjustment.
Interpret and teach facility procedures, rules, and disciplinary policies to youth.
Implement facility security procedures, including regular unit, room, and grounds checks; community and home visits; and frequent observation and monitoring of high-risk youth.
Assist with serious disturbances and monitor visitors entering and leaving the facility.
Escort youth to activities and appointments inside or outside the facility and supervise their conduct in all settings.
Operate a motor vehicle when necessary to transport youth to activities and appointments.
Prepare, maintain, and contribute to records and reports concerning youth, including behavior management, treatment plans, progress notes, population reports, and inventories.
Assist youth with taking daily medication.
Oversee community trips so youth can practice life skills learned in the program.