Youth Care Specialist

Child Saving Institute • Council Bluffs, IA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Care Specialist works in the shelter at Children’s Square Campus, providing a safe, therapeutic, and learning environment for children and youth ages 0–18. The role provides direct supervision within the program structure and helps ensure young people’s needs are met as they navigate challenges faced by at-risk youth.

The position is located at the CSQ Shelter in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The schedule is Friday through Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Starting pay is $20.00; the salary range is undisclosed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Stamina and temperament to work with youth experiencing crisis or emotional behavior disorders.
• Motor vehicle record with 3 points or less.
• Proof of active auto insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in human services with at-risk children and residential work strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain visual supervision and know where children and youth are at all times through the program schedule, positive interactions, and participation in activities.
• Maintain program structure and a therapeutic environment by following the schedule, helping youth meet outside expectations, and providing learning opportunities and experiences.
• Adhere to contractual requirements.
• Manage medication according to program procedures.
• Build and maintain therapeutic relationships by treating youth with respect, providing positive feedback, and displaying empathy.
• Identify and use everyday opportunities to teach life skills.
• Communicate written information throughout the shift, including client files, medication logs, pass reports, and caseworker calls, to maintain accurate placement records.
• Maintain agency records, including incident and restraint reports.
• Support a professional, positive work environment by arriving on time for shifts, trainings, and meetings, following agency protocols, and adapting to client and program needs.
• Handle crises using CPI and other techniques while maintaining positive therapeutic relationships.
• Implement agency policies and procedures and licensing and accreditation standards, and maintain a clean, aesthetic environment.
• Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor.
• Complete training required by program and agency staff-development plans, including identifying appropriate training and scheduling and attending it.
• Complete 24-hour checklist, defensive driver, car seat and transportation training, and orientation before working independently with youth.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Paid vacation and sick accruals starting day one.
• 401(k) matching up to 5%, fully vested right away.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Referral bonuses.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Discounted on-site childcare tuition.
• Birthing leave at full pay for up to 6 weeks and non-birthing leave at full pay for up to 2 weeks.

What This Job Offers

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