Youth Care Worker-Floater

One Hope United is a fiscally stable, $70 million agency with over 800 professionals serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois and Florida. Founded in 1895, we offer energetic leadership and a supportive community.

About the role

The Youth Care Worker is responsible for the daily management of a therapeutic residential living environment that promotes the learning of skills for emotional, mental, and physical health. You will provide a therapeutic, safe, and structured environment as specified in each youth’s Individual Treatment Plan.

Responsibilities

• Provides supervision of youth in accordance with OHU and DCF policies
• Maintains a therapeutic home
• Interactions with all clients reflect a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach
• Teaches, models, and participates in individual and group instruction in daily living, recreational activities, social skills, emotional regulation skills, and independent living skills as prescribed by each youth’s Individual Treatment Plan and the OHU Residential Program Plan
• Continually trains and maintains certification in the implementation of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) or other approved behavior modification program
• Follows OHU Residential Program Plan, including daily schedule, administration of expectations and associated consequences, and mental health treatment of youth in residential care
• Demonstrates the highest investment in and commitment to quality improvement practices in order to continuously improve the delivery of services to our clients
• Maintains a spirit of teamwork with other residential home staff; this includes attending weekly team meetings and staffings, as required
• Attends meetings, training, seminars, and conferences as assigned by supervisory or administrative staff
• Transports clients (youth) and their families to mandated court hearings, school appointments, doctor appointments, or other case-related appointments
• Completes all documentation required for the position in a timely and accurate manner
• Abides by client and program confidentiality to the highest standard

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum 21 years of age
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record with OHU required levels of coverage for auto insurance
• DCF background check & approval to transport youth

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment and adaptive skills to expand software application skills as necessary
• Patience, positive attitude, and willingness to develop greater skills and understanding of youth with behavior disorders and/or mental health issues
• Willingness to engage with youth in social and recreational activities, as well as act in a surrogate parent role including assisting with homework, chores, attending appointments, school activities and events, and any DCF-related expectations
• Ability to exercise discretion and ensure confidentiality
• Ability to accept direction and modify interactions with youth at the direction of supervisory and clinical team

Benefits

• Tuition assistance up to $2,500 per year
• Up to 4 weeks paid Vacation Days, up to 6 paid Personal Days, and up to 5 paid Sick days annually
• Medical, dental, vision, 403b Retirement, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and short-term disability options
• Agency-paid life insurance up to $50K based on salary
• Voluntary Supplemental Life for Employee, Spouse, and Child(ren)
• Voluntary Legal Plans
• Agency-paid long-term disability after 1 year of employment
• Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
• Free LCSW and LCPC Supervision hours available in some locations