Youth Care Worker

Clearwater FL

Description

Looking for honest, passionate and invested persons with experience working with at-risk adolescent male youth in a residential Group Home or foster care environment.  Ideal candidate will be responsible for providing direct care services to youth, such as supervision, mentoring, guidance, and life skills training on a daily basis to adolescent male youth in a group home environment.  Duties also include being a role model, and responsible for guiding youth through their service plan, developing positive relationships, teaching age and socially appropriate behaviors, transporting youth, teaching youth academic independent living skills all within the parameters of the program.  Caregiver supports will involve teaching appropriate day-to-day functions such as: personal hygiene, behavioral issues, and interaction with their peers. Meet many basic physical and emotional needs of the residents. This include participating in weekly team meetings, social training, meal preparation, medical attention (i.e. administering medications), hygiene training, clothing needs, creating a safe and orderly environment, ensuring a clean environment and facilitating recreation.  Provide transitional supports during the reunification process and/ or adoption placements, and contribute to the overall well-being and development of the residents.  This position is third shift 11:00PM - 8:30AM minimum 40 hours/week. Schedules are subject to change during holiday and summer time, as youth will be out of school.  Genuine desire and strong ability to work with youth and make at least a one (1) year commitment  Willingness to work flexible hours, which will include nights, weekends and holidays.  Ideal applicants must be physically active and able to engage in recreational and physical activities at the park, YMCA, etc. SKILLS: - Ability to provide affection, security and continuity in the care of children - Ability to set appropriate limits and boundaries with clients - Ability to handle confidential/private issues appropriately - Must have the energy and flexibility to meet the changing needs of children/youth - Ability to follow directions - Ability to handle multiple tasks and make sound decisions - Ability to observe individuals and report accurate findings - Ability to build trusting relationships with youth and effectively interact with diverse cultures - Ability to handle emergencies and life threatening situations effectively - Ability to intervene decisively when necessary to protect youth and property - Ability to transport youth to appointments, activities, etc. QUALIFICATIONS: REQUIRED: - Must have at least a High School diploma or GED equivalent - Must be computer literate - Valid Florida Driver's License and relatively clean DMV record - Ability to pass a random drug screening - Ability to pass a background check and reference verification procedure as per DCF standards - Must have reliable transportation PREFERRED: - Associated Degree Preferred - One year experience working with troubled youth preferred; at least two year of experience in the direct provision of care to children. - Previous/ verifiable experience working with abused, neglected and special needs children - Relevant Department of Children and Families certification or training within the past 12 months - CPR (child), First Aid - Crisis prevention/intervention training SALARY: $13.50 - $14.50 per hour