Youth Care Worker 2nd Shift ORR

Upbring•McAllen, TX

78d

About The Position

The Youth Care Worker provides direct care and supervision to Unaccompanied Children (UC), maintains a safe and therapeutic environment, and intervenes to de-escalate situations as needed. The position ensures compliance with Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) licensing standards, agency policies, program guidelines, and applicable federal, state, CARF, and local requirements. The worker reports incidents promptly and follows protocols to protect the safety and well-being of the children in their care. The listed second-shift schedule is 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; extended shifts, including 12-hour shifts at least once a week or more, may be required during periods of influx. The role includes conducting intake and orientation, providing basic needs and support with daily routines, supervising children and applying behavior plans, responding to crises, documenting interactions, and supporting social and daily-living skills. The Youth Care Worker also accompanies children on activities and appointments, assists in emergencies, maintains positive working relationships, and attends required meetings and training. Travel may be required as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
One year of employment experience in the child welfare field working with children and/or adolescents.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, based on service area and service population.
Must be able to work extended shifts during periods of influx, including 12-hour shifts at least once a week or more.
Ability to use visual and auditory awareness in the work environment to ensure residents’ safety and well-being.
Ability to establish trust and build positive rapport with children while maintaining ethical boundaries.
Strong conflict resolution and de-escalation skills, including the ability to handle challenging situations and ensure residents’ safety.
Strong verbal communication skills and ability to give and follow written and oral instructions.
Proficiency with basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and documentation programs or databases.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in social services, Human Services, or a closely related field.
Two years of previous experience performing direct care services to children and adolescents.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake services for incoming UC, including paperwork, assessments, explaining program services, and assisting with initial placement and orientation.
Provide basic needs upon arrival, including meals, clothing, hygiene products, showers, and bedroom assignment; assist with daily routines such as wake-up, bedtime, personal care, chores, homework, meals, and recreation.
Supervise UC and enforce appropriate behavior limits in accordance with individual treatment and behavior plans and ORR standards.
Perform behavior management and crisis intervention, ensuring UC safety and providing 1:1 monitoring as directed by management or the clinical team.
Maintain a safe and organized environment by cleaning and organizing UC living spaces.
Document interactions and interventions in accordance with individual behavior plans, progress notes, and ORR standards, including incidents and general observations.
Assist UC with social skills, anger management, and daily living skills, and support them in achieving daily goals.
Accompany UC on outings and activities, promote community inclusion, and ensure safety during transport to appointments and scheduled events.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, UC, and volunteers to support program goals and objectives.
Assist with evacuating UC during emergencies, including inclement weather and natural disasters.
Attend meetings and training and maintain required training hours under licensing and ORR standards.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.