The Youth Care Worker acts as an advocate, educator, coach and role model for the 8-12 youth living in one of our residential homes. Each Youth Care Worker advocates for 3 or 4 youth on an individual basis, assisting them in following their educational and employment plans as well as their individual treatment plans. The Youth Care Worker builds therapeutic relationships with all the youth in the assigned residential home, and provides consistent and supportive supervision. The Youth Care Worker typically works 2 p.m.-10 p.m. or 3 p.m.-11 p.m. and will work some weekends.
All direct-care positions require the ability to transport children. To be considered for these positions, you must have a valid Illinois driver’s license which has not been suspended in the last 3 years, and be able to drive a van.
Location: Hay Boys Campus at 1140 W. Jackson Blvd.
Supervised by either the Youth Care Supervisor or Program Manager (depends on Program structure).
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 21 years of age.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- At least two years experience working with youth.
- A valid Illinois driver’s license, ability to drive a van, maintain a clear driving record, and retain driving approval through the Department of Children and Family Services.
- Regular and predictable attendance.
- Ability to work both independently and as an active team member.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.
- Ability to maintain professional demeanor while exercising judgment and discretion in work.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and professional journals.
- Ability to write reports and correspondence.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as the ability to become proficient in other software packages and programs.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds, and with proper training, be able to physically restrain youth.
- Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of the Agency.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Be responsible for the implementation of each youth’s Individual Treatment Plan, in particular for a specific youth case load.
- Ensure the youth’s educational, employment and treatment plans are followed.
- Be responsible for timely and accurate communication within program, i.e., incident reports, contract with youth families, supervision, and all log entries.
- Build a therapeutic relationship with each individual youth by being a teacher and a coach.
- Provide leadership for the youth in the provision of a healthy living environment, i.e., consistent and supportive supervision of the youth living space.
- Participate in supervisory meetings appropriate for the job function.
- Restrain youth as necessary.
- Provide transportation for youth as necessary.
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
