Youth Care Worker

Job Summary

The Youth Care Worker has direct responsibility for guidance and supervision of the youth assigned, overseeing physical care, development of acceptable habits and attitudes, management of youth behavior, and helping to meet the goals and objectives of any required service plan while observing professional boundaries with clients and co‑workers. This role is the foundation of the program, serving as a support and source of direction for youth within the program.

Responsibilities

• Provides adequate supervision of youth in care and always knows their whereabouts.
• Completes wellness/mental health checks as needed to provide appropriate supervision.
• Prepares for shift by planning activities that meet the physical, emotional, intellectual, and/or social needs of all youth in the program.
• Models appropriate behavior and attitude with and for youth and co‑workers; controls personal feelings in front of youth.
• Follows Medication Policy, including administration, documentation on MAR, medical FYI’s, and healthcare appointments.
• Is sensitive to youth history and needs; uses an appropriate tone of voice, speaks respectfully, and consistently treats others fairly.
• Meets emotional needs of youth by providing a safe environment to share concerns, offering individual attention, and listening without judgment.
• Meets physical needs of youth by providing daily exercise opportunities and encouraging healthy habits.
• Meets medical needs of youth by contacting physicians when needed, following all medical plans outlined in MAR, relaying health concerns to necessary personnel, and scheduling appointments.
• Builds and maintains relationships with youth, even when redirecting behaviors.
• Is trauma‑informed and knowledgeable about common mental health diagnoses of residents.
• Continuously seeks skill improvement and training materials relevant to job duties.
• Teaches youth basic life skills such as personal hygiene, laundry, and cleanliness.
• Ensures cottage chores are completed daily by youth, teaches and models necessary skills, and assists when necessary.
• Personally helps clean the cottage (dishes, trash, floors, bathrooms) to maintain a clean living environment.
• Meets twice a month with primary to review goals and objectives.
• Handles crisis situations and interventions appropriately, including following procedures for Serious Incident Reporting.
• Follows policy regarding notification of guardians or emergency on‑call caseworkers when needed (all notifications within 24 hours).
• Attends and actively participates in supervision, program meetings, treatment teams, and youth staffing as needed.
• Observes professional boundaries with youth and co‑workers.
• Reads, understands, and implements licensure standards and HTFS policy.
• Participates in change of duty at each shift change and completes all items on the checklist, ensuring proper documentation and notification.
• Is dependable and performs duties without requiring prompting.
• Documents timely, professionally, thoroughly, completely, and with adequate detail.
• Completes all required trainings on time.
• Presents to shift on time, well‑groomed, and in accordance with HTFS dress code.
• Promotes and contributes to a supportive team atmosphere.
• Prepares for and facilitates daily cottage groups.
• Complies with all applicable state and agency policies and regulations.
• Ensures all Serious Incident Reports from the shift have been completed.
• Promotes a “see it, own it, and solve it” environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services (strongly preferred).
• Associate’s degree and at least 3 months experience working directly with children.
• High school diploma or GED and at least 6 months experience working directly with children.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of adolescent behaviors and appropriate boundaries with clients.
• Good driving record with a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.