Youth Care Professional

About the role

Youth Care Professionals provide direct care and supervision to children in a residential treatment setting, implementing crisis intervention, treatment programs, and life-skills education while maintaining a safe, orderly, and supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Meet all federal and state regulatory guidelines and standards applicable to the position.
• Document all serious incidents, daily progress, and activities completely, accurately, and in a timely manner in compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• Implement crisis intervention and treatment programs tailored to each individual’s needs.
• Assist with the orientation of new children and staff.
• Provide input into the development of treatment plans as 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, social skills, realistic problem-solving, 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 household and children’s laundry, overseeing daily chores, identifying routine maintenance needs, and reporting them to the Unit Manager.
• Maintain and update records regarding children’s clothing and personal items.
• Maintain a secure campus environment by conducting required rounds, using proper radio communication protocols, and responding to all radio calls.
• Promote positive interaction between children and encourage them to take responsibility in the daily routine of the facility.
• Model culturally and socially desired behaviors while explaining them to children to facilitate learning and replication.
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed or requested by a supervisor.
• Implement Compass Connections safety protocols, including evacuating with children and staff in case of an emergency.
• Maintain confidentiality in all areas of child and program operations.
• Adhere to Compass Connections professional and ethical standards of conduct, including demonstrating respect for agency staff, children, and community members, and complying with the required dress code.
• Provide sustained and uninterrupted direct supervision of assigned children from the start of the shift until relieved.
• Follow instructions from medical/clinical staff regarding each child and inform the Unit Manager of any information affecting the basic health and well-being of assigned children.
• Communicate positively and respectfully with children, families, and all agency staff, including supervisors, co-workers, therapists, student interns, and volunteers.
• Frequently traverse facility areas both indoors and outdoors to provide direct supervision of children.
• Effectively communicate behavioral expectations and program regulations to children and enforce compliance.
• Complete all required documentation prior to the end of each shift.
• Meet all pre-determined deadlines required by program supervisors and federal partners.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally in both English and Spanish.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (required); Associate degree from an accredited program or two or more years of college-level coursework in human services, Psychology, or behavioral health (preferred).
• One year of related experience and/or training in behavioral health or residential treatment (required); two or more years (preferred).
• Certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Behavior Intervention.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and random drug screens throughout employment.
• Provide proof of work eligibility status upon request.
• Pass pre-employment and biennial criminal background checks.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
  • Work collaboratively with other staff, service providers, and professionals.
  • Provide crisis intervention to maintain a safe environment.
  • Work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining emotional control and professional composure.
  • Maintain computer literacy required for the position.
  • Work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team without intensive supervision.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of all Compass Connections policies and procedures.
• Annual Influenza vaccination or an approved medical or religious exemption (required as a condition of employment).