Oak Bridge - Overnight Youth Care Specialist

Oak Bridge - Overnight Youth Care Specialist (Transportation)

Positions

Summary:

The Youth Care Specialist oversees the day-to-day and/or overnight operation of the facility. The position provides individualized youth care, planning, supervision of daily and/or nightly routines, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention to high risk youth and their family-like support, and behavior management. The position provides close, intensive supervision to youth and works work closely with community services to facilitate connection and referrals to youth and family-like support with other community agencies, juvenile court, and other support services.

The position participates in team decisions regarding treatment of clients and issues to facility operation.

Education and Experience Requirements:

At least 50% of the youth care staff must have a Bachelors Degree OR at least 2 years of college and one year of work in a residential care program for adolescents; relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. A Bachelors Degree in behavioral or social science may substitute for experience. Those not meeting requirements above, must have a high school diploma or GED AND one of the following:
One year of successful experience working with youth in a group setting;
One year of successful experience as a foster parent for 3 or more children;
Two years of college

Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to work effectively in the following areas:
Cultural diversity, team-based models; crisis management; systematic theory;
Positive Youth Development approach; and adolescent development. Ability to work effectively may be demonstrated through academic experience, job experience, references, and interview answers. Genuine concern for young people and the ability to treat all people with dignity and respect, and openness to learning and implementing a Positive Youth Development approach to youth work. Must value working in a multicultural/diverse environment.

A commitment to ongoing training and a willingness to receive and act upon feedback. Ability to climb and descend at least two flights of stairs. Ability to stay awake and alert throughout entire assigned shift (which are approximately 13 hours). Ability to participate in and complete frequent facility walk-throughs as part of contract requirements while on shift. Ability to accurately read, record, and interpret information and maintain paper and computerized information.

Ability to use a computer with basic computer literacy in Word, Excel, Zoom and Google Gmail/Docs, as well as the ability to access, enter, and update data into web-based systems (ie: timesheets). Ability to provide visual and auditory supervision of program and youth. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a broad variety of people, including staff, supervisors and management.

Ability to effectively monitor safety and demonstrate group management skills, as well as effectively de-escalate potentially chaotic or volatile situations. This includes the ability to stay calm and emotionally available in an intimate residential environment serving highly traumatized youth experiencing homelessness, mental health symptoms and chronic alcohol/drug abuse. Ability to exercise tact, independent discretion and judgment within program guidelines in working with a variety of people.

Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and to act on the agenda of the program. Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries in working with others and in handling confidential information. Ability to attend scheduled shift, be punctual for scheduled shift and meetings, and be in a condition that ensures staff are able to assume responsibilities of position. Ability to problem solve, exercise independent judgment within program guidelines, and respond to crisis situations.

Manual dexterity and physical capability to perform functions considered routine in a shelter environment, such as bend, stoop, kneel, reach, lift up to 20 lbs. (including overhead), and perform routine office tasks such as writing, phone use, filing, copying, and use of computer keyboard.

Other Requirements:
Washington residency preferred. 21 years of age or older per Washington State contract requirements. Day and swing-shift positions require driving an Agency vehicle so valid drivers license for State of residency and driving record meeting Agencys driving approval criteria are required. If driving a personal vehicle for work purposes must also have and maintain valid personal auto liability coverage ($100,000/$300,000 level highly recommended).

Driving is not required for overnight positions, but personal vehicle allowing for occasional travel within Vancouver is preferred. All employees who drive for work purposes, regardless of whether driving a personal or agency vehicle and regardless of whether driving with or without clients, are required to complete the agencys…