Youth Care Specialist

Youth Care Specialist-Intervention Center

The Youth Care Specialist is a professional person appointed to promote public safety by providing a safe, clean, caring setting to deliver program services that lower risk and respond to the mental health, behavioral health and life-skills needs of court-involved youth and families in Greene County with a focus on reducing reliance on secure confinement while promoting the goals, objectives and mission of the organization.

Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Youth Supervision and Direct Care:
Supervise and interact with youth as a direct-care worker; direct and supervise the movement of juveniles; provide direct supervision of volunteers, interns, parents, visitors and service personnel; ensure compliance with program rules, policies and procedures; perform daily assignments including transportation and food service; ensure quality and timeliness of program schedule; facilitate delivery of Behavior Reinforcement System and sanctions pursuant to principles of cognitive-behavioral interventions;

inform disciplinary decisions relating to youth; intervene and direct crisis intervention pursuant to policy and CPI training; mediate disputes; facilitate group sessions including social skills training; support program completion and transition; prepare and maintain records on youth activities including incident reports and behavior progress; collaborate with Director and Assistant Director of Prevention and Intervention Services, Mental Health Therapist and Assessment Service Coordinator regarding delivery of treatment needs of youth;

monitor personal hygiene practices of youth; assist in self-administration of medications pursuant to medical treatment plans; supervise and assist youth in the cleaning/maintenance of the facility.

2. Safety and Security:
Randomly search youth as part of search for contraband; ensure safety, health and security standards are upheld at all times; observe and report illness or injury; ensure first aid kits are re-stocked; administer CPR/first aid; escort youth to and from different areas of the facility; maintain control via verbal intervention techniques pursuant to crisis prevention training; operate electronic security system.

3. Program Operations and Services:
Facilitate property maintenance, including landscaping, painting and deep cleaning tasks; facilitate special projects and programming; facilitate quality assurance measures; ensure orderliness and cleanliness of facility towards positive image and compliance with health and safety code regulations; stock supplies; facilitate preparation and consumption of meals; document safety and emergency exercises; manage facility community service tasks including but not limited to project point of contact, community networking, project strategy and supervision, general maintenance and grounds-keeping functions.

4. Family Engagement Support:
Support with coordinating initial contact with youth and families referred to the Intervention Center; deliver orientation to youth and families referred to the Intervention Center; manage transportation needs and scheduling of transportation; attend court hearings; maintain regular contact with families as a support staff.

5. Community and Public Relations:
Ensure the organization and its mission, programs and services present a positive image; act as liaison with the public, other youth service agencies including the Ohio Department of Youth Services, court officials, mental health practitioners, social services workers, medical personnel, university personnel, parents/guardians, students, case workers, school officials, law enforcement; deliver presentations to tour groups; attend court hearings.

6. Meetings/Committees:
Program Review…