Youth Care Worker

General Statement of Duties

The Youth Care Worker (YCW) provides daily direct supervision and monitoring of children in care. This includes helping the children with schoolwork, implementing or planning activities, engaging the children in conversation, and intervening during crisis. The YCW must have the children in their line of sight at all times while in ratio. The YCW also performs cleaning duties to maintain cleanliness of the cottages where the children live, as well as food service duties during mealtimes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and ensure the safety and well-being of children in care, maintaining required staffing ratios and line-of-sight supervision.
• Transport and accompany youth to appointments, school, activities, and community outings.
• Foster a positive, trauma-informed environment that supports daily living skills, personal growth, and cultural adjustment.
• Implement individualized treatment, safety, and behavioral support plans using HART and trauma-informed care principles.
• Manage crises using approved de-escalation and intervention techniques while maintaining a safe environment.
• Aid in intake, discharge, daily routines, personal hygiene support, meals, housekeeping, laundry, and facility upkeep.
• Complete incident reports, case documentation, and electronic records accurately and within required timeframes.
• Communicate effectively with staff and departments regarding youth behavior, needs, and progress.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional, ethical, and culturally sensitive standards of care.
• Support staff training, program operations, accreditation requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Follow all agency safety policies, participate in required training, and model appropriate professional behavior.
• Report required legal or background-related matters in accordance with agency policy.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum one year of experience working with children; residential care or human services experience preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and documentation skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and electronic record management.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and ability to operate agency vehicles.
• Must obtain required Act 33/34 and FBI clearances.
• Bilingual Spanish/English skills preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years old

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Ability to lift or push a minimum of 20 lbs by themselves or up to 50 lbs with the assistance of others.
• Ability to stay awake for an entire working shift.
• Ability to verbally de-escalate children during a crisis situation.
• Capable of frequently climbing stairs and other activities that involve physical exertion (i.e. walking hallways, walking across campus).
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly in person / on telephone.
• Quick physical response to a crisis situation.
• Must be able to implement CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) non-passive behavior techniques.

Holy Family Institute Mission Duties

Holy Family Institute (HFI) is a 120-year-old Catholic organization with an impeccable history of serving children and families in the Pittsburgh Region. We are one of Pittsburgh’s largest social service organizations operating 15 programs in two counties. We are an independent organization guided by Catholic Social Teachings and serve people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Commitment to Social Justice

Holy Family Institute and its affiliated organizations are committed to an environment that respects and values every human being and individual differences. We will invest time and resources to create an inclusive environment for all of our stakeholders. This means we will respect diversity that includes race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, education, disability, language, and sexual orientation. We also believe that we should be “Faithful Listeners” and embrace diversity of ideas, perspectives, and values. We believe in providing access, opportunity, fair treatment, and advancement for all people. Believing that “God is Found in Everyday Activities” we will do our best to eliminate barriers that prevent full participation in our programs and services. We believe “Loving Relationships” means that all are welcome, all are neighbors, and there are no exceptions. With this belief we aim to create an environment in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supportive, and valued.

EEO Statement

Holy Family Institute is an equal opportunity employer.