Youth Care Worker

About the position

The Youth Care Worker position is responsible for the care and custody of children and youth who have been alleged and/or adjudicated delinquent and are residents of the Northampton County Juvenile Justice Center. This position reports directly to the Juvenile Justice Center Supervisor and/or higher level official in the County Juvenile Detention Facility. The Youth Care Worker provides for the care, activity and security for children and youth in the County Juvenile Justice Center, ensuring their safety and security throughout their daily routines.

Responsibilities

• Provides supervision, structure, and control of the residents throughout their daily routines.
• Communicates with children and youth, discussing their concerns and interests to alleviate any adjustment or behavior problems.
• Plans, conducts and participates in resident activities, including instructional or recreational activities.
• Inspects children and youth upon admission for cleanliness, freedom from disease and injuries.
• Processes admissions, intakes, and discharges, conducting pat and/or strip searches as needed.
• Searches rooms and other facility areas for contraband.
• Reacts to crisis situations in the facility, deescalating with residents and implementing physical interventions when necessary.
• Transports and accompanies children and youth to other institutions, clinics, and foster homes.
• Assesses issues of difficulty or potential problems and provides reports and recommends solutions to higher level staff.
• Completes appropriate admission and discharge forms for residents.
• Maintains records of shift activities, incidents and writes reports concerning resident behavior.

Requirements

• Completion of sixty (60) college credits at an accredited college or university in Social or Behavioral Sciences, or a related field of study; OR
• At least one (1) year of full-time professional work experience with children in programs for juvenile offenders, corrections, law enforcement, residential and/or congregate care settings, residential treatment facilities, or inpatient behavioral/mental health programs.
• Possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Benefits

• $2500 sign-on bonus for full-time employees.
• Equal Employment Opportunities policy.