Youth Services Worker

About the role

This position is responsible for providing treatment services and ensuring safety and security to youth in the care and custody of the Missouri Division of Youth Services. Employees will facilitate treatment programming to youth (e.g., youth advocate, group facilitation, creation and delivery of treatment activities, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Provide Awareness Supervision to youth, with responsibility for their personal conduct, care, and therapy
• Monitor activity, behavior, and movement of youth both within a residential/day treatment setting or while escorting youth off grounds; performing physical counts as necessary
• Maintain security, including intervention and/or participate fully in physical restraints of youth during emergencies or altercations to prevent escapes and gain physical control of youth
• Supervise youth in residential/day treatment facilities in the performance of work activities and during recreational and religious activities; conducts inspections for health and safety hazards
• Assist youth with their personal issues and refer issues to the group in accordance with the principles of the program
• Observe and keep staff informed daily of significant behavioral conditions known about an individual and/or the group
• Implement group and individual treatment plans
• Maintain professional boundaries, modeling a reasonable, respectful, and professional demeanor at all times. Interact positively with youth, families, co-workers, management, and the public
• Prepare reports regarding each client's adjustment and progress; maintain youth records
• Dispense medications to youth
• Intervene in youth medical emergencies defined as the ability to perform first-aid interventions for youth including, but not limited to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Transport and escort youth in everyday and emergency situations
• Work on shifts and attend mandatory meetings during the evening, overnight, or daytime hours as assigned by the supervisor and respond to facility emergencies
• Report all hours worked and absences accurately and in accordance with attendance policies and facility guidelines. Log work time daily in accordance with policy and submit timesheets to supervisor as directed
• Employees may also assist in the educational program
• Performs other tasks as assigned

Qualifications

• Sixty or more earned credit hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum of six earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work
• OR 2-4 years of relevant experience (Earned credit hours from an accredited college or university may substitute on a year-for-year basis for a maximum of three years of the required experience at a rate of 30 earned credit hours for one year)
• Possession of a valid driver's license

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior
• Knowledge of child development and the role of the family
• Knowledge of the causes of juvenile delinquency and current methods of youth treatment
• Ability to work with youth and family members
• Ability to foster the cooperation of youth in the treatment process
• Ability to physically respond appropriately to work situations or emergencies
• Ability to learn verbal and physical crisis intervention/de-escalation techniques and emergency treatment procedures
• Ability to transport youth and travel as necessary

Pay

The current rate for this position is $1,770.90 - $1,953.62 semi-monthly. Some positions working qualifying evening or night shifts in a residential facility setting receive a $2.00 per hour shift differential. Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay).

Benefits

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage including health, dental, vision, paid holidays, cafeteria plans, retirement, and more. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck.

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