Youth Specialist

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision, protection, and trauma-informed care for youth individually and in groups.
• Coach youth in the development of practical life skills (e.g., cleaning, home maintenance, and personal care).
• Train and mentor youth in the development of higher-level life skills (e.g., healthy response to fear reminders, conflict resolution, problem-solving, teamwork, and goals management).
• Administer discipline and set limits for behavior in order to foster individual development as well as a safe and healthy living environment.
• Supervised and assist during home-based learning.
• Administer medications as appropriate and in accordance with training.
• Record progress of individual youth in attaining their personal goals; identify possible needs for professional services; and communicate findings to the Facility Manager or professional staff.
• Auxiliary in nutritious and culturally relevant meal planning and meal preparation.
• Participate in staff meetings and staff trainings.
• Perform record-keeping functions as directed.
• Perform other functions as directed by supervisory staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Completion of 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education PLUS at least 100 hours of experience working with youth
• Valid Certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor, or Alcohol and Drug Counselor PLUS at least 100 hours of experience working with youth
• One year of full-time employment or documented volunteer experience (or equivalent hours) working at a group home, short-term residential therapeutic program, or substance abuse treatment center
• Ability to provide effective trauma-informed care for youth
• Excellent interpersonal skills (empathy, listening skills, and verbal communication skills)
• Good written communication skills
• Ability to solve problems in a collaborative manner
• Ability to engage and develop a rapport with youth from various backgrounds
• Ability to provide consistency and behavioral limits through relationship-based interventions
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Valid California Driver’s license and a good driving record (Department of Motor Vehicle printout required.)
• Behavior that reflects the standards of a role model for youth served at ZOE Home for Youth
• Flexibility
• Good physical health (Good health must be verified by a physician or physician- supervised medical professional and must include a tuberculosis screening that is given not more than one year prior to employment or seven days after the first day of employment and is repeated annually thereafter.)
• Criminal record clearance
• Minimum age of 21 years
• Willingness to sign and adhere to ZOE International’s Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, and other policies and procedures

Pay

Pay Range: $19 - $21 per hour