Youth Development Specialist, Phoenix House

Klingberg Comprehensive Program Services Inc•Plymouth, CT

About The Position

Klingberg is a private non-profit multi service agency who provides help to thousands of people across Connecticut each year. Our goal is to extend hope and healing to children and families whose lives have been traumatized by abuse and/or neglect in its various forms, sever family problems and mental health issues. The Phoenix House is a home for adolescents females generally between the ages of 14-18 in our local community and allows adolescents who have previously received psychiatric services in residential, hospital or community settings to learn about living together in a family-like setting and become responsible adults who contribute to their communities. The adolescents take part in individual, group and family therapy’s to address personal and social issues, life skills management, healthy sexuality/relationships, and to encourage their ability to lead healthy, productive lives. Under the supervision of the Group Home Supervisor, and/or the Group Home Assistant Supervisor, participates in the implementation of plans for the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of children or adolescents in residence, to meet the philosophical and treatment objectives of the Group Home and the agency. $1,000 sign on bonus~

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree preferred, High School Diploma required.
Experience working in a therapeutic congregate care setting preferred.
Acquire and maintain certification in TCI, CPR and First Aid.
Must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Serves as primary childcare worker to assigned clients. Participates in the development of individual treatment plans for those clients and facilitates implementation of the plans.
Maintains familiarity with and implements approved individual treatment plans and programs for all clients assigned to the group home and consults with other staff to assure consistency and continuity of individual treatment programs.
Fosters a stable and therapeutic environment by maintaining the values and principles of the group home’s treatment philosophy.
Interacts with clients in a manner marked by a controlled, non-judgmental tone of voice and body language, promoting individual responsibility and self-esteem.
Implements treatment plans, behavioral system and other means of structure in a therapeutic, caring, and respectful manner.
Fosters a positive, communicative environment for client families, guardians, and representatives.
Fosters the development of meaningful group and individual relationships within the group home among both clients and staff.
Provides a variety of services to clients, including transportation, assistance and instruction in hygiene, assistance in the development of daily living skills, and maintenance of other personal needs.
Assists in the teaching and development of life skills. Ensures adequate care for the clothing, shelter (cleanliness of bedroom), and other basic needs of clients.
Participates in and/or plans recreational activities as assigned by the Supervisor and/or Assistant Supervisor. This participation includes motivation of clients, hobby and skills instruction and support, and the fostering of a positive, enthusiastic, and therapeutic play environment.
Participates in maintenance of a safe, clean, secure, and orderly environment. Reports unsafe or unhealthy situations to a supervisor and to maintenance personnel. Ensures the safety of clients by properly following emergency procedures and maintaining required trainings and certifications.
Obtains and maintains Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training certification. Participates in physical intervention of clients as required in a manner consistent with policy and procedures.