Shelter Care - Youth Support Specialist

Shelter Care – Youth Support Specialist

Join the County of Brown's Shelter Care Unit as a Youth Support Specialist.

Brown County Health and Human Services offers exciting challenges, personal growth opportunities and a chance to make a difference while preserving a strong work‑life balance. The role provides care and supervision to residents (up to 18 youth, ages 10–17) placed at Brown County Shelter Care through the Juvenile Court System.

• Works a 24‑hour, 7‑day schedule with a bi‑weekly rotating schedule, working evenings and every other weekend; overnight schedule Sunday through Thursday is available.
• Provides shift differential of $0.50 per hour from 4 pm‑10 pm, $1.25 per hour from 10 pm‑6 am, and $0.50 for all weekend hours.
• Assists in planning, directing and overseeing learning, living and leisure activities through direct interaction with youth at the Shelter; enforces Shelter rules, intervenes in crisis situations, closely monitors location and activities of children 24‑hour per day.
• Assures the health, safety, and well‑being of residents placed at Shelter Care; maintains positive relationships and provides support, encouragement and information to the youth and their families.
• Documents daily reports, logs, and consults with professionals regarding youth behavior; completes other required records.
• Completes admission referrals, observes physical condition upon admission and return; contacts case managers as necessary; conducts searches of residents; completes unauthorized leave and incident reports; completes release process when a resident leaves Shelter Care.
• Participates in planning and executing learning, recreational, social and daily living skills programs/activities; maintains order and administers positive, constructive discipline without the use of physical or mechanical restraint.
• Maintains positive, effective professional communication with parents, case managers, court staff, coworkers and other community and working professionals.
• Helps plan, develop, participate and supervise a variety of community outings and presentations for residents; completes a variety of statistical and progress reports on youth or agency activities.
• Performs and/or oversees general duties such as: maintaining inventories of bed linens and equipment, cleaning/inspection of rooms, purchasing of food and supplies, administering first aid/CPR/AED and minor maintenance/housekeeping duties.
• Conducts fire drills and carries out emergency/safety plans when needed; assists in planning nutritional meal program for youth, in food preparation, storage and clean up; participates in staff development, attends related seminars, staff meetings and workshops.
• Assists with shopping for food and other items needed by the residents or the Shelter; maintains required training/hours and certifications annually; carries out all Shelter Care work rules, policies and procedures and all County policies.

Lifting up to 30 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Frequent standing, walking and sitting; occasional driving. Using hand(s)/feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling, and operating controls. Frequent bending, twisting, squatting and reaching. Communicating orally in a clear manner. Distinguishing sounds at various frequencies and volumes. Distinguishing people or objects at varied distances under a variety of light conditions.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Knowledge of appropriate educational, recreational and social activities for youth and the ability to carry them out effectively and instructional.
• Knowledge of group dynamics and human relations.
• Knowledge of health and safety precautions, first aid/CPR/AED, acceptable hygiene standards, procedures regarding blood borne pathogens, and appropriate food handling, preparation and storage.
• Knowledge of adolescent psychology, and human growth and development.
• Ability to help youth acquire daily living/social skills.
• Skill in crisis intervention/de‑escalation in emergency situations.
• Skill to relate with young people…