Youth Care Worker

We are committed to supporting at-risk children and families by providing them with tools and resources that help prevent child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. We are a Christian agency that believes in living our mission by offering Christ-centered care and support to children and families in need.

Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) offers 14 programs and services across 28 locations in Missouri, Texas, and Louisiana. Our “The PCHAS Way” commitment emphasizes strength-focused, family-centered, and goal-driven support for every client.

Benefits for serving children and families through PCHAS include competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, paid time off, medical, dental and vision insurance options, voluntary life insurance options, paid holidays, and a generous retirement plan (after one year of service and 1,000 worked hours, the agency matches an employee 200% up to a 3% retirement contribution).

As a member of the treatment team, you will serve each assigned child, consult with other team members as needed to ensure that treatment planning goals are met, facilitate socialization and daily living objectives, and provide support and backup to other Child Care staff.

Status: Non-exempt

Working Conditions:

Works in a “home-like” cottage/house setting and in the community uires prolonged standing and walking; bending and reaching; and stamina for long hours. May require lifting up to 50 pounds. May participate in safe physical containment of escalated residents engaged in self-harm or aggressive behavior.

Hiring for: PRN, FT

• Provide supervision, structure, and guidance for youth using TBRI techniques for daily living skills; anger management; conflict resolution; and decision-making skills. Offer verbal feedback on skill growth and, as necessary, apply SCM intervention techniques per agency protocol.
• Conduct daily health/safety inspections and report any concerns to supervisor and maintenance. Conduct monthly fire, tornado, and earthquake drills, maintain written records of all drills, and provide copies to supervisor.
• Maintain accurate and current daily documentation of each youth in CSWIS and other required documentation. Set up and maintain individual youth files, medication records, individual logs, and crisis files.
• Dispense medication as prescribed after completing Medication Technician Certification class. Keep precise medication records and assess resident illnesses and injuries, contacting coordinator or on-call with concerns or need for medical treatment.
• Participate in mandatory team meetings, individual supervisory sessions, and scheduled trainings.
• Implement daily life skills groups and document appropriately. Conduct daily and weekly recreational activities per schedule.
• Provide transportation for youth to school, appointments, jobs, etc., as needed or requested.
• Assist youth in planning appropriate weekly menus, shop for food once a week with 1–2 youth, allow purchases of hygiene supplies once a month, conduct weekly nutrition/healthy meal option groups, and cook meals with youth when schedule permits.

• High School Diploma or GED required; human services college courses, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Must pursue continuing education and/or in-service training required upon employment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age; prior childcare experience preferred.
• Ability to develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with youth displaying behavioral and emotional challenges; maintain appropriate authoritative and supportive balance; refrain from taking children’s negative comments or behaviors personally; make sound decisions in crisis situations.
• Personal maturity; effective communication skills (verbal and written).
• Must drive a van or automobile safely day and night.
• Resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Interact with residents and other staff from various ethnic groups in a culturally competent manner.

Must hold a valid driver’s license with a risk‑free record. Must be willing to undergo initial and periodic child abuse/neglect, criminal history, sexual offender, and childcare/elder care disqualification list screenings. Must submit fingerprints and undergo pre‑employment drug screen and physical with results showing no communicable disease.

Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services is a faith‑based Christian organization. We provide Christ-centered care and support to children and families in need, aiming to serve like Jesus, meet clients where they are, treat them with respect, focus on strengths rather than problems, and encourage a hopeful future.

• Entry level

• Full‑time