Child Care Specialist

Position summary

The Child Care Specialist has the primary responsibility of providing a therapeutic environment to the adjudicated youth and overseeing the overall treatment of the youth placed in the home. The Child Care Specialist shall monitor the service delivery for these youth while they are in the program from intake to discharge. These services may include, but not be limited to; didactic, ensuring the youth participate in home group sessions, encourage positive behavior, peer awareness activities, therapeutic encounters and recordkeeping. The Child Care Specialist shall possess excellent verbal skills, problem solving skills, and be prepared to take on the diversity of the client population. The Child Care Specialist shall provide these services within contract assurances and prohibitions. They will also perform other duties as specified for the care of the clients, in accordance with the 3800 regulations.

Position Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent GED
• 1 year experience working with children
• Experienced in behavioral issues with youth
• Experience in CASSP system and/or residential care preferred
• All candidates must pass a required background check as outlined in The Background Check Policy in regards to Clearances and Certifications mandated by the State Department of Human Services, Federal guidelines, and possess a valid Driver’s License
• Knowledge of computers and word processing software such as MS Word, Excel, and Office

Working Conditions

Working environment is generally favorable. There is the potential for adverse and/or hazardous events related to working with the youth. Advantage Care Group is located in a private community setting.

Essential Functions

• Supervise group activities during field trips and educational outings
• Ensure the youth participate in home group sessions to encourage positive behavior
• Supervises all youth movement/activities within the facility
• Report youth accidents or injuries to supervisor
• Completes written reports
• Covers daily inspections of youth sleeping quarters/inspects for contraband, if warranted
• Reports all youth behavioral problem incidents in writing to supervisor and conducts appropriate intervention
• Transport youth by Company van from facility to the out-of-facility appointments or outings as required
• Makes sure the youth's behavior during the daily scheduled recreational activities is monitored
• Enforces all of the facility rules of conduct with the youth
• Assists with new arrivals/admissions and discharges as required
• Provides perimeter and facility security
• Assures Medication is distributed and the MARS is completed properly (after MED training)
• Responsible for the cleanliness of the common areas
• Completes all mandatory training

Physical Demands

Position often requires lifting up to 10 lbs. and intermittent sitting, standing, bending and walking; requires good visual and auditory acuity for monitoring youth behavior. In an emergency, employee must be able to physically respond and assist in the evacuation or rescue, bend, lift, run or walk swiftly in order to intervene in a combative situation(s) to protect fellow employees or other youth from the threat of harm or actual harm at the hands of youth. Must have the ability to administer First Aid and CPR.

Special Training / Skills

• A thorough understanding of age, cognition, and developmental stages of school age children
• Effective communication skills and ability to quickly form trusting relationships with child/adolescent population
• Attend and participate in all in-service training programs

Specifications

The general nature and level of work being performed are contained in this job description. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description does not state or imply that the duties described herein are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

Schedule

Child Care Specialists will work in 12-hour shifts (7am-7pm and 7:00pm-7am) providing continuous consumer supervision. Employees may be required in an emergency to be retained for a brief period after their regular shift, with compensation.