Group Home Youth Worker

Clearwater FL

Description

Group Home Caregiver/ Youth Care Worker: (Clearwater) Looking for honest, passionate and invested persons with some experience working with at-risk or, adolescent male youth in a residential, Group Home.  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 in a group home environment.  Duties also include being a role model, and responsible for guiding youth through their service plan, developing positive relationships, socially appropriate behaviors, transporting youth, teaching youth social, academic, independent living skills, all within the parameters of the program.  Caregiver support will involve teaching the 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, including providing supervision, limit setting, participating in weekly team meetings, social training, meal preparation, medical attention, 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.  Typical shifts are 8AM - 3PM, 3PM - 11 PM and11 PM - 8:00AM, and varying 8 hr shifts on weekends in the morning and evening. Schedules are subject to change during holidays and summer time, as youth will be out of school.  Genuine desire and strong ability to work with youth.  Willingness to work flexible hours, which may include nights, weekends and holidays.  Ideal applicants must be willing to engage in recreational and physical activities at the park, YMCA, etc. SKILLS: - Ability to provide affection, security and continuity - Ability to set appropriate limits and boundaries - Ability to handle confidential issues appropriately - 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 if necessary to protect the youth and property - Ability to transport youth to appointments, activities, etc. QUALIFICATIONS: REQUIRED: - High School diploma or GED equivalent - Must have basic computer skills - Valid Florida Driver's License and mostly clean DMV record - Ability to pass a random drug screening - Ability to pass a background check - Have references that can be verified procedure as per DCF standards - Must have reliable transportation PREFERRED: - One year experience working with youth preferred; at least two years of experience in the direct provision of care to children. - Previous/ verifiable experience working with abuse, neglect 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: $14.25 - $15.00 /hour Pay is commensurate with qualification