Youth Development Specialist (Independent Living)

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community•Scottsdale, AZ

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Social Services Manager (Group Homes), the YDS (Independent Living) is responsible for providing independent living skills (ILS) through direct services to youth ages Birth to 21 who are in foster care. Provides individual support services by focusing on life skills development starting at birth to ensure the children are meeting their life skills at all ages and prepare youth who are transitioning towards adulthood. Coordinates with community resources and other entities such as; case managers, behavioral health providers, group homes, foster/kinship, and transitional housing to assist in developing goals and promote academic, social and employment growth. This job class is treated as FLSA Non- Exempt.

Requirements

Graduation from High School or a GED equivalent required.
For enrolled Community members without a GED, must obtain a GED.
Requires participation in the HR GED program and successful completion of the Arizona State certified exam in order to continue employment with SRPMIC.
Ability to maintain and teach appropriate boundaries with the children and Young Adults.
Skill with planning, scheduling, time management and crisis intervention.
Skill assessing client needs and program progress.
Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with children, youths and their families.
Skill counseling individuals, groups and families.
Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with SRPMIC co-workers, multiple agencies, other service providers and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to maintain accurate and timely program records according to prescribed standards.
Ability to make independent decisions related to client care, program development and crisis intervention.
Ability to prepare food and serve meals.
Ability to drive various SRPMIC vehicles including the 15 passenger van.
Ability to work non-standard work hours as required by program needs.
Ability to perform CPR and First Aid.
Ability to use recreation equipment as well as standard equipment found in a kitchen.
Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs.
Must obtain First Aid and CPR certification within the first six (6) months of employment from the date of hire and maintain continuous certification.
Must possess the National Child Care Worker Certification and Managing Aggressive Behavior (or equivalents) or earn them within the first six (6) months of employment from the date of hire.
Must be physical capability to participate with children and adolescents in camping, hiking, recreational and other physically challenging activities.
Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the “Community Code of Ordinances”, Chapter 11, “Minors”, Article X. “Investigation of Persons Working With Children”.
Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing.
Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check.
Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
SRPMIC is a mandatory covid vaccine employer. All employees are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

An Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development or closely related course of study preferred.
For enrolled Community members without a GED, must obtain a GED. Requires participation in the HR GED program and successful completion of the Arizona State certified exam in order to continue employment with SRPMIC.

Responsibilities

Supervises all young person’s residing in the SRPMIC Group Homes. Attends to their needs during day and evening activities as well as all shift responsibilities. Serves as a positive and realistic role model to meet the physical, emotional and social needs of young people who must live away from home.
Teaches children individually or in groups. Selects, develops, adapts and implements instructional methods utilizing available resources.
Participates in Community based prevention education efforts by positively including children in prevention presentations at schools and other areas in the Community.
Assesses all the children’s life skills in the Group Homes and with the PALS Program utilizing the Casey Life Skills program.
Helps the children and Young Adults with their life/independent living skills on a daily/weekly/monthly basis by one on one and small group discussions, hands on activities in and out of the community. Monitor progress with each child and re-visit topics as needed.
Provide guidance and instruction on proper nutrition/health/hygiene/kitchen safety Takes advantage of "teaching moments" to train and educate children in social skills, work skills and life skills.
Promote pro-social behaviors and interactions Helps to find appropriate alternatives in solving their problems. Confronts and redirects children using appropriate techniques as trained. Re-directing youth and young adults as needed to meet learning objectives and treatment plan
Completes and maintains written documentation, case files and other sensitive materials. Keep client contact notes Update treatment plans every 90 days Track progress using an action plans Ability to communicate with collateral contacts ie, Case workers, GH staff, GH Management, PALS Committee, Providers.
Confers with Case Managers and others in an active, positive manner. Dispenses medications as needed.
Acquires and maintains a working knowledge of SRPMIC Youth Home policies, procedures and practices. Assumes accountability for obeying and enforcing the policies, procedures and practices. Consults with supervisory and peer staff in problem solving or clarifying interpretation and implementation of Youth Home policies.
Drives youth to and from activities in Tribal vehicle (15 passenger van).
Ensures the supervisor is informed of Group Home events, happenings, incidents and that written reports are submitted as required.
Establishes and maintains an environment that encourages teamwork, interdependence and ethical behavior.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance program and departmental operation.