Youth Services Center - Youth Care Worker

Allen County Indiana•Fort Wayne, IN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Care Worker supervises youth and helps maintain a safe, structured, and caring environment at the Youth Services Center. Under the direction of the Shift Supervisor, the worker supports residents’ daily routines, education, recreation, behavior management, life skills, and safety. The position is covered as defined by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook. The Youth Care Worker documents resident care and behavior, prepares safety care plans, assists with school activities, and coordinates with coworkers and administration to ensure residents’ needs are met. The role also includes housekeeping, sanitizing, medication handling, first aid, transportation, intake and discharge support, supply management, and supervised communication and computer use. The position involves frequent walking and may require lifting up to 40 pounds, reaching overhead, kneeling, crawling, climbing ladders, pushing or pulling loads, bending, and restraining residents. Workers may be exposed to temperature extremes, dangerous equipment, chemicals, noise, and noxious odors or fumes. Shifts vary; the position is 40 hours per week, with overtime as required. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of experience working with youth or young adults.
Valid driver’s license to transport residents and/or operate county-owned vehicles.
Ability to obtain and maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training within six months of employment.
Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within six months of employment.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of departmental records and information.
Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws applicable to Youth Services Center operations, and ability to apply and enforce regulations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to enforce center rules and regulations, resolve conflicts, respond to emergencies, effectively restrain residents, and take authoritative action as needed.
Ability to prepare accurate and detailed records of residents’ behavior.
Ability to remain calm during a crisis.
Ability to move around freely and meet the physical demands described, including frequent walking, some lifting up to 40 pounds, reaching overhead, kneeling, crawling, climbing ladders, pushing or pulling loads, bending, and frequent resident restraint.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise youth and maintain a safe, structured, and caring environment during daily routines and activities, including wake-up, showers, meals, recreation, school, assigned work, special and seasonal activities, and bedtime.
Document and update files concerning youth care; evaluate and monitor residents’ behavior, resolve conflicts, and address behavioral problems.
Create and update students’ school charts, file school paperwork, and assist the Teacher with classroom duties.
Complete a detailed safety care plan for each resident upon arrival.
Communicate with coworkers and administration about residents’ behavior and needs.
Maintain clean units with residents’ assistance, including sweeping, cleaning furniture and appliances, washing windows, stocking, sanitizing bathrooms, and changing bedding.
Keep hazardous hygiene products secured and out of residents’ reach.
Ensure residents practice social distancing and wear masks, and deep-clean and sanitize school equipment and units three times per day.
Transport residents to off-campus activities and appointments.
Count, record, and dispense medications and provide first aid as needed.
Model and teach daily living skills, including hygiene and social skills.
Work one-on-one with residents to complete assignments; create and conduct structured activities; and teach and document life skills for residents age 16 and older.
Supervise and document resident visitation phone calls and monitor residents’ computer use to ensure they access appropriate sites.
Assist with resident intake and discharge, including completing required forms and securing clothing and personal possessions.
Maintain inventory of supplies, linens, and personal hygiene products; distribute items upon request and order supplies as needed.
Attend monthly mandatory staff meetings.
Understand and abide by CARF standards, policies, and procedures.
Perform other assigned duties, including overtime as required.