Youth Care Worker - Cook

Hoyleton Youth and Family Services•Hoyleton, IL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Care Worker-Residential Cook is responsible for preparing meals and snacks for the cottages to which they are assigned and for assisting other cottage staff in the supervision and support of cottage residents. The Residential Youth Care Worker delivers structured, daily therapeutic programming for youth under the guidance of an assigned supervisor. This role involves engaging youth in meaningful therapeutic interactions and skill-building activities while accurately documenting all interactions in accordance with Medicaid Rule 140. Utilizing Hoyleton’s CARE practice model and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), the Youth Care Worker fosters strong developmental relationships, promotes youth growth, and maintains a safe, supportive, and positive therapeutic environment.

Requirements

Possess, or be able to obtain within 90 days of hire, a Food Service Sanitation Certification through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Basic skills in first aid and identification of medical needs.
Ability to learn the CARE practice model and implement daily programming consistent with CARE principles.
Ability to learn the TCI curriculum and successfully pass TCI written and physical restraint tests, remain current with required TCI refresher training, and conduct TCI techniques with fidelity to the model.
Successfully complete CARE training and certification and maintain annual TCI recertification.
Remain awake and alert for the entirety of scheduled shifts to ensure client safety and meet DCFS supervision requirements.
Enjoy actively engaging youth, demonstrate emotional maturity, patience, and communicate empathy in interactions.
Exhibit strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive, supportive relationships with youth.
Meet all DCFS/CANTS clearance requirements.
Be at least 21 years of age.
Possess and maintain a valid Illinois driver’s license and maintain proof of automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and related experience is preferred.
Experience in food preparation or institutional cooking preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepares nutritious and attractive meals and snacks, according to the menus provided, that meets state health standards, food service regulations, ISBE standards, and supervisory directives.
Plans and orders food and related supplies for meal preparation, including menus for evening and weekend meals that are prepared by staff on duty.
Prepares special meals at various holidays and special events throughout the year.
Assures proper storage of all food items; disposes of unused food at expiration date or an appropriate.
Maintain kitchen cleanliness and sanitation standards in compliance with local health department regulations.
Provides direction and oversight to cottage residents to assist them to develop cooking and cleaning skills in accordance with their capacity.
Respond to behavioral issues when they occur.
May be required to participate in client restraint.
Maintains accurate and timely records in accordance with agency policies and state regulatory requirements.
Engages youth in daily therapeutic activities that help youth develop social, emotional, and other life skills, including the ability to have fun and play, consistent with each youth’s individualized treatment goals and CARE principles.
Ensures the safety and well-being of youth, co-workers, and self by: Building and maintaining positive relationships with youth, colleagues, and supervisors; Understanding each youth’s trauma history and triggers; Anticipating crises and utilizing TCI de-escalation techniques; Implementing TCI-compliant manual restraint when youth or staff face immediate serious risk of harm; and Supporting relationship repair through TCI Life Space Interviews following crises.
Completes daily hours of care by documenting Medicaid-compliant therapeutic interventions.
Participates with their supervisor and youth in planning schedules of activities for each shift.
Engages in reflective practice by participating in weekly individual and/or group supervision with supervisor.
Participates in clinical staffings, cottage meetings, and other agency meetings as required, and meets all initial and ongoing agency training requirements.
During overnight shifts, conducts bed checks of each youth every 15 minutes and therapeutically engages youth who experience difficulty with bedtime or sleeping.
Performs other related duties as assigned by Supervisory and Administrative staff.

Benefits

Medical insurance with company funded Health Savings Account (HSA)
Dental and vision insurance
Paid vacation, sick, and personal days
10 company holidays and 1 floating holiday
Monthly cell phone reimbursement
6 weeks paid parental leave
403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match
Employer-paid life insurance
Optional supplemental benefits including: voluntary life, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and their household members for additional support
Tuition reimbursement to encourage continued learning and growth
BenefitHub Perks Program offering valuable employee discounts