Youth Care Worker 1st Shift ORR

Upbring•Brownsville, TX

1d•Onsite

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 role 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 support the safety and well-being of children in care. The scheduled first shift is 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; extended shifts, including 12-hour shifts at least once a week or more, may be required during periods of influx. The position includes intake, orientation, daily care, supervision, behavior support, documentation, and assistance with activities and appointments. It may require travel as needed. The work takes place in a child facility with constant exposure to children and involves frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and moving up to 125 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
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.
Ability 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 and ability to handle challenging situations while ensuring 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's 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 behavioral limits in accordance with individual treatment and behavior plans and ORR standards.
Perform behavior management and crisis intervention, support safety and well-being, and provide one-to-one monitoring as directed by management or the clinical team.
Maintain a safe, organized living environment by cleaning and organizing UC living spaces.
Document interactions, interventions, progress notes, behavior incidents, and general observations in accordance with individual behavior plans and ORR standards.
Assist UC with social skills, anger management, and daily living skills, supporting them in achieving daily goals.
Accompany UC on outings and activities, promote community inclusion, and ensure safety during transportation to appointments, outings, and other 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 or natural disasters.
Attend meetings and training and maintain required training hours under licensing and ORR standards.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.