Lead Youth Treatment Specialist; Bakari

Lead Youth Treatment Specialist (Bakari)

Job Code: 2023‑SPECIALI‑009 |

Location:

Milwaukee | Department:
Residential Treatment Center | Status:
Full Time

The Lead Youth Treatment Specialist provides two essential roles within the Residential Care Center: (1) direct care, nurturing and supervision of youth to ensure their needs are met; (2) leading shifts, ensuring staff are trained and meeting the needs of the youth, and that all staff follow the policies and procedures of the Residential Care Center. The role includes supervising and managing the shift such as implementing the daily schedule of activities, group educational activities, recreational activities, follow‑up individually with youth, and serving as a mentor and role model for youth.

• Work in the milieu supporting therapeutic interactions by coaching skill use through daily activities, modeling appropriate behavior, teaching and reinforcing use and generalization of skills through a token economy system.
• Use evidence‑based best practices for youth with mental health, substance use and life needs. This includes the innovative Integrated Treatment Model (ITM) including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma informed care, motivational interviewing, youth centered, and culturally reverent approaches while celebrating youth’s development and diversity.
• Co‑facilitate Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups and other group topics pertaining to healthy relationships, fatherhood, independent living skills, substance use education, and cultural identity development curriculums.
• Organize, participate, and monitor scheduled activities for youth (one‑to‑three) engaging them in specific activities both on‑site and off‑site programming including but not limited to various clubs, school, art activities, recreation, community outings, and field trips.
• Support youth’s education by serving as a learning coach in the classroom on‑site and at school through an interactive, and competency‑based education model.
• Provide sight and sound supervision to youth and families with complex needs.
• Maintain youth and family confidentiality within all written and verbal communications.

• Provide leadership and role model responsibilities for Youth Treatment Specialists.
• Supervise Youth Treatment Specialists on shift to ensure programming is carried out for youth and treatment is being implemented.
• Work with supervisor to write and deliver staff performance evaluations, staff coaching and disciplinary actions.
• Facilitate field training for new staff on shift in collaboration with program leadership.
• Lead shift transition meetings, monthly staff meetings and attend consultation team and management meetings.
• Provide shift coverage for staff for vacations, call‑ins and staff shortages.
• Administer medication as prescribed and document accordingly.
• Complete documentation pertaining to shift reports, critical incident reporting, and approve communication logs within required time frames.
• Collaborate closely with the leadership team to develop programming, monitor compliance, and carry out performance improvement projects.
• Follow the WCS Leadership Code of Conduct.
• Adhere to state licensing requirements.
• Adhere to WCS Policies and Procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Attend in‑services and trainings, weekly and monthly staff meetings.
• Assist with coverage for co‑workers as needed.
• Other job‑related duties as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

• Full‑time or part‑time
• Flexible schedule, a rotation of first (8:00am‑4:00pm) and second shifts (3:00pm‑11:00pm)
• Weekend rotation required.
• Holiday rotation required (premium for working holidays)

• A high school diploma or equivalent, bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Be at least 21 years old (at least 2 years older than the oldest resident).
• Schedule requires flexibility with a rotation of first and second shifts including weekend coverage.
• A minimum of one year of experience serving children with mental health needs.
• Working knowledge of computer…