Youth Care Worker - Emergency Shelter (Full Time)

LifeWorks Austin•Austin, TX

7d•$23 - $25

About The Position

LifeWorks is seeking a Youth Care Worker to join its Emergency Shelter team in Austin, Texas. The Youth Care Worker provides care and services to youth, typically ages 13–19, who live in a 24-hour licensed residential facility. The role helps maintain facility safety and compliance and monitors, supervises, transports, and supports young people in meeting basic needs while encouraging their development and progress toward individual goals. This is a full-time, non-exempt position paying $23.32–$25.48 per hour, depending on experience. The position requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent; at least one year of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and proficiency in Microsoft Office. A valid Texas driver's license may be required or must be obtainable within 30 days. Employees must complete 40 hours of program training during their first six months and 20 hours annually thereafter. Standard First-Aid and CPR certification is required as determined by the individual program. LifeWorks has more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents. Its services include housing, mental health, education, and workforce support. The organization aims to help young people find safe homes, belonging, healing, and opportunities to learn and work.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
At least one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
May be required to possess or obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 30 days.
Complete 40 hours of program training within the first six months of employment and 20 hours annually thereafter.
Standard First-Aid and CPR certification as required by the individual program.
Demonstrated client focus, collaboration and adaptability, respect for differences, nimble learning, trustworthiness, and initiative.

Responsibilities

Supervise clients and the facility, overseeing care and safety in accordance with the organization's core values and mission.
Interact with clients using client-focused and strengths-based approaches, support day-to-day activities, and help youth work toward individual goals.
Assist clients with daily needs, including case management, school activities, job searches, transportation, cleaning, meal preparation, and daily medication administration.
Coordinate or assist with transportation to community activities, appointments, job interviews, emergency room visits, and other outings.
Discuss topics such as race, identity, substance use, mental health, healthy boundaries, habits, and self-sufficiency while maintaining professional boundaries and client confidentiality.
Support youth in developing positive coping methods and healing from trauma through a healing-centered approach.
Remain calm and supportive during high-pressure situations and crises, and manage escalated situations using approved de-escalation techniques and, when necessary, Handle with Care physical restraint techniques.
Follow DFPS Minimum Standards for incident reporting and implement safety and action plans in coordination with team members, including case managers.
Distribute, document, and observe clients receiving prescribed medications, including medications covered in training and medication administration or transfer.
Coordinate and complete client intake and discharge, including consent for services and risk assessments used to establish supervision guidelines.
Complete initial orientations explaining services, client rights and responsibilities, policies, and guidelines.
Follow health and safety guidelines under DFPS Minimum Standards and LifeWorks safety planning.
Complete perimeter walks, room checks, facility and room searches, and ongoing visual checks.
Maintain daily written records of client whereabouts and incidents and communicate relevant information to team members while protecting confidentiality.
Document client behavior, progress, activity engagement, school attendance, medications, and incidents through daily notes, logs, and incident reports.
Communicate effectively with team members and client support teams while maintaining confidentiality.
Conduct drills in accordance with Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning.
Maintain cleanliness in accordance with licensing standards, including cleaning common areas, offices, and the kitchen.
Complete required trainings, meetings, and professional development plans, including monthly supervision with a supervisor.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor and Director.