Lead Youth Care Specialist

Overview

PMIC Lead Youth Care Specialist

Location:

520 N 7th St, Council Bluffs, IA. The Lead Youth Care Specialist provides strategic leadership, oversight, and advanced support in the care and rehabilitation of at‑risk youth. Responsibilities include ensuring high standards of care, mentoring junior staff, and driving program development and quality assurance. Acts as a key liaison between staff, youth, families, and external partners in support of the Child Saving Institute’s mission to champion children and families.

• Leadership & Oversight:
  Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Youth Care team; mentor and support Youth Care Specialists with guidance, training, and performance feedback; oversee shift operations in accordance with policies, procedures, and safety protocols; serve as acting supervisor in the absence of the Shift Supervisor.
• Youth Support & Engagement:
  Develop and implement individualized service plans in collaboration with clinical staff; facilitate team meetings, conflict resolution sessions, and life skills training; monitor youth behavior and progress, documenting observations and interventions.
• Crisis Response & Safety:
  Lead crisis intervention efforts, de-escalate volatile situations using trauma‑informed practices; train junior staff in crisis prevention and intervention techniques; ensure safety protocols are followed and incidents are documented accurately and promptly.
• Program Development & Quality Assurance:
  Assist in the design and evaluation of youth programs and services; identify areas for improvement and recommend changes to enhance program effectiveness; participate in audits, inspections, and quality assurance initiatives.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  Coordinate with case managers, clinicians, educators, and families to support youth development; represent the organization in multidisciplinary team meetings and community outreach; communicate effectively with all stakeholders to ensure continuity of care.

• Perform other duties as directed by supervisor.
• Complete training necessary to perform in line with program and agency staff development plans, including scheduling and attending appropriate training.
• Complete 24-hour checklist training, defensive driver training, car seat and transportation training, and orientation prior to working independently with youth.

The majority of work is a combination of shelter, office, and community or home-based environments. Duties occur in environments ranging from highly stressful and potentially aggressive to casual and leisurely, in both indoor and outdoor settings. The environment may include exposure to bodily fluids; noise levels can range from moderate to occasionally loud; travel to activities and medical facilities is required.

Employee does not use a personal vehicle to conduct agency business unless approved and insurance requirements are met.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in youth care or a related field.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience in human services with children at risk; residential work strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• Motor vehicle record of 3 points or less and ability to provide proof of active auto insurance.
• Knowledge of childcare practices, developmental issues, group processes, child abuse and neglect, child development, behavior management, and verbal/physical intervention.
• Strong direct service professional skills including:
  • Commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems.
  • Belief in a nurturing family as the ideal environment for growth and change.
  • Ability to develop respectful relationships with persons served.
  • Ability to collaborate with coworkers and other professionals.
  • Ability to maintain a helping role, intervene appropriately to meet service goals, and set appropriate limits.
• Stamina and temperament to work with children and youth (birth – 18 years) in crisis or emotional/behavioral difficulty.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical…