Youth Care Worker (Morning and afternoon)

About the role

The Youth Care Worker (YCW) program at Journey of Hope Shelter 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 situations. The YCW must have the children in their line of sight at all times while in ratio.

Responsibilities

• Uphold and promote Holy Family Institute’s mission, values, and trauma-informed care model.
• Provide continuous supervision and ensure child safety, maintaining required staffing ratios and line-of-sight.
• Transport and accompany children to appointments, school, activities, and community outings.
• Support children's daily living activities, hygiene, acculturation, and social-emotional development.
• Implement individualized treatment, service, and safety plans while modeling appropriate behaviors.
• Manage crises using de-escalation techniques and approved interventions when necessary.
• Maintain a safe, clean, sanitary, and supportive living environment, including meal support and housekeeping duties.
• Complete required documentation, incident reports, intake/discharge paperwork, and electronic records accurately and on time.
• Communicate effectively with staff and departments regarding resident behavior, progress, and needs.
• Aid in training new Youth Care Workers and support therapeutic programming.
• Protect client confidentiality and ensure compliance with agency policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate accountability for the daily operation, safety, and well-being of residents and the shelter environment.
• Participates in all required agency and regulatory training within expected time frame.
• Promptly reports civil or criminal convictions, charges, arrests, investigations, or adjudications that may arise since staff member’s last background investigation.

Requirements

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent required, Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• One year working with children required; residential or human services preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively and document information accurately.
• Ability to deal efficiently and effectively with a wide variety of individuals.
• Ability to maintain electronic records, medical files and have basic computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to drive a car or van; must have a valid PA driver’s license.
• Fluency in Spanish and English (read, write and speak) preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

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.

Holy Family Institute Mission

Holy Family Institute (HFI) is a 125-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. Holy Family Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.