Direct Care Worker

Language Requirement

• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.

Academic Requirements

• Required: High school diploma, or equivalent.
• Preferred: 2-year associate degree from accredited program/institution, or two or more years of college-level course work in a related human services field.

Certifications

• First aid, CPR, Emergency behavior intervention.

Work Experience

• Required: 1-year employment experience in the child welfare field working with children and/or adolescents in a social service setting and/or training in a related human services field.
• Preferred: 2 plus years’ related experience and/or training in a related human services field.

Critical Action Items & Measurable Deliverables

• Meet all federal and state regulatory guidelines and standards that are applicable to this position.
• Document all serious incidents, daily progress, and activities completely, accurately and in a timely manner and in compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• Assist with orientation of new children and staff.
• Provide input into development of treatment plans as appropriate or requested.
• Use positive child management techniques including verbal redirection, de-escalation, and containment.
• Plan, organize and supervise activities for children in accordance with the daily activity schedule.
• Teach constructive behavior and social skills, realistic problem-solving behaviors, responsible time and money management, conversational English, personal hygiene, and life skills.
• Assist children with homework assignments.
• Maintain an orderly and clean children’s living area including assisting in the household and children’s laundry, overseeing daily chores, identifying routine maintenance work/repair, and reporting it to the Unit Manager.
• Maintain and update records regarding children’s clothing and personal items.
• Maintain a secure campus environment by making rounds as required, and by using proper application of radio communication protocols including responding to all radio calls.
• Take actions to promote positive interaction between children and encourage children to take responsibility in the daily routine of the facility.
• Model culturally and socially desired behaviors while explaining the behaviors to children to facilitate learning and replication of the behaviors.
• Work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed or requested by position supervisor.
• Implement safety protocols including evacuating with children and other staff in case of an emergency.
• Maintain confidentiality in all areas of child and program operations.
• Maintain professional and ethical standards of conduct including demonstrating respect for agency staff, children, and community members and complying with required dress code at all times.

Other Responsibilities

• Provide sustained and uninterrupted direct supervision of the children assigned to the worker from the start of the assigned shift until relieved.
• Follow the instructions of medical/clinical staff regarding each child and inform Unit Manager of information impacting the basic health and well-being of children assigned to the worker.
• Communicate in a positive and respectful manner with children, families and all agency staff including supervisors, co-workers, therapists, student interns, and volunteers.
• Frequently traverse from one area of the facility to another both indoors and outdoors as needed to provide direct supervision of children.
• Effectively communicate behavioral expectations and program regulations to children and enforce compliance with regulations and expectations by all children assigned to the worker.
• Complete all required documentation prior to completion of shift.
• Meet all pre-determined deadlines required by program supervisor and federal partners.

Requirements

• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and random drug screens throughout employment.
• Provide proof of work eligibility status upon request.
• Pass a pre-employment and biennial criminal background checks.
• Demonstrate the ability to:
  • Respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
  • Work collaboratively with other staff members, service providers and professionals.
  • Provide crisis intervention according to training provided when needed to maintain a safe environment.
  • Work in a fast-paced environment and maintain emotional control and professional composure at all times.
  • Maintain computer literacy required to meet the responsibilities of the position.
  • Work effectively and without intensive supervision both independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of all agency policies and procedures.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.