Youth Care Worker

VQ • Fort Worth, TX

4d • $16 - $18

About The Position

The Youth Care Worker (YCW) provides direct care and supervision to children placed in a VQ residential setting. The role fosters a safe, supportive environment that facilitates learning and behavioral management in accordance with VQ, local, state, and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) General Residential Operation policies and procedures (26 TAC Chapter 748).

The YCW supervises and engages children throughout daily routines and activities, builds positive rapport using a trauma-informed approach, supports children’s essential needs, and assists with appointments and program activities. The role also maintains facility safety and cleanliness; documents children’s progress, behavior, and health; participates in training and follows applicable safety and program procedures.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of employment experience in the child welfare field working with children and/or adolescents in a social service setting.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to facilitate program services.
• Cleared tuberculosis test results.
• May be required to pass a drug test.
• Cleared background checks from appropriate entities, including Child Abuse and Neglect and FBI criminal background checks.
• Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility to drive to facilitate program services as required.
• Become a Certified Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner within 180 days of employment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and understanding of the children served.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.
• Ability to assist with emergency situations.
• Emotional intelligence to support effective self-care and serve as a role model for the Youth Care Worker team.
• Ability to follow established policies and procedures.
• Ability to collaborate with peers, colleagues, and others to achieve mission goals and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision of children in care and maintain line of sight at all times.
• Oversee children during recreation, meals, leisure time, and play.
• Develop positive rapport with youth and serve as a role model, creating a safe and caring environment through a trauma-informed approach.
• Teach, coach, and supervise children in activities of daily living, including morning, bedtime, and overnight procedures; hygiene and cleanliness; housekeeping; meals; intramurals; sports; academics; and extracurricular activities on and off the facility.
• Interact with children, including playing games and participating during recreational time.
• Conduct orientation and provide an overview of program services and rules.
• Provide essential needs such as clothing, hygiene products, showers, bedroom assignments, and meals when needed.
• Assist with planning and coordinating educational events, acculturation activities, holiday celebrations, recreational outings, and school transportation.
• Assist children with appointments, including legal, medical, and dental appointments.
• Administer over-the-counter and prescribed medications.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and hazard-free facility, including common areas, restrooms, kitchen, laundry, and outdoor areas.
• Report maintenance and supply needs.
• Assist with evacuating children when needed due to inclement weather, natural disasters, or other unforeseen occurrences.
• Document children’s progress, behavior, and health while in care.
• Observe, report, and document behavior patterns and required information, including progress notes, close observation, nightwatch checklists, bed check logs, outing logs, and incident reports.
• Assist with training new hires on role responsibilities within VisionQuest.
• Participate in departmental, all-staff, mandatory, and other needed training.
• Follow Occupational Health and Safety protocols.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisors.

What This Job Offers

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