Youth Care Worker

VQ • Corpus Christi, TX

10h • $17 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Care Worker (YCW) provides direct-care supervision for children placed in a VQ residential setting. The role fosters a safe environment that supports 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 relationships using a trauma-informed approach, supports essential needs, and assists with educational, recreational, and appointment-related activities. The role also helps maintain facility safety and cleanliness, documents children’s progress and health, participates in training, and follows applicable policies and safety protocols.

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 of age.
• 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 as required for program services.
• 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 all 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.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, and up to 50 pounds infrequently.
• Ability to perform tasks involving standing or walking for 50% of the day and sitting for 50% of the day.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and grasp as necessary.
• Ability to provide First Aid and CPR.
• Ability to perform physical holds as instructed in CPI training.

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.
• Build positive rapport with youth and serve as a role model in a safe, caring environment using a trauma-informed approach.
• Teach, coach, and supervise activities of daily living, including morning, bedtime, and overnight procedures; hygiene and cleanliness; housekeeping; meals; intramurals; sports; academics; and extracurricular activities on and off facility.
• Interact with children through games and recreational activities.
• Conduct orientation and explain program services and rules.
• Provide essential needs, including 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 legal, medical, dental, and other appointments.
• Administer over-the-counter and prescribed medications.
• Maintain clean, safe, and hazard-free common areas, restrooms, kitchen, laundry, and outdoor areas.
• Report maintenance and supply needs.
• Assist with evacuating children during 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 other required information, including progress notes, close observations, 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
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED