Youth Care Specialist/Worker

Job Description

Job Description

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) supports people who have lost or left their homes. For over 100 years, the unwavering commitment of our leadership, team, network of service providers, and advocates has helped redirect the destiny of countless vulnerable lives.

In neighborhoods, in Washington, and around the world, we break down barriers and demand justice for refugees and immigrants as they successfully integrate into new communities.

We provide essential social and legal services to rebuild productive lives, turning tragedy into prosperity. We are a purpose driven organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide and supporting their transition to a dignified life.

To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.refugees.org.

OVERVIEW

The Youth Care Specialist / Worker is responsible to provide counseling, initial case management, and day to day supervision and monitoring of the children.

The Youth Care Specialist must be able to communicate proficiently. The Youth Care Specialist reports to Lead Youth Care Specialist.

ESSENTAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide program orientation to youth upon arrival and complete intake;
• Provide basic needs to youth including but not limited to preparing and supervising meals in accordance with menu, clothing, hygiene products, shower and bedroom assignment;
• Monitor clothing, shelter supplies, allowances and trips;
• Must provide direct care services to youth to ensure that ratios and appropriate supervision levels are continuously met as per state and federal requirements;
• Planning and implementing educational events, acculturation activities and recreational program outside the facility and other meaningful experience for youth in conjunction with the team;
• Provide therapeutic care of the special needs’ youth in care and when necessary, appropriate crisis intervention consistent with training guidelines;
• Utilize behavior management tools and document youth behavior and share information with appropriate staff regarding youth’s program participation;
• Develop positive rapport with youth while serving as a role model to create a safe and caring environment;
• Ensure all forms and progress notes are properly completed to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements;
• Assist with the coordination of Physical Education instruction in coordination with the Program Director or designee as required by state and federal requirements;
• Serve as a model appropriate behavior (e.g. : respect for others, appropriate dress, appropriate conflict of resolution, etc.);
• Promote and utilize culturally sensitive care and treatment of child, families, and co-workers and actively work to reduce bias and promote cultural sensitivity and acculturation;
• Maintain the shelter in accordance with ORR, OCFS, OHSA and agency health and safety standards and check for and report repair and maintenance needs for the physical condition of the facility;
• Transport residents to various appointments and activities;
• Adhere to all Agency and departmental Safety Procedures including reporting and unsafe practices, equipment and environment, and takes active role in correcting the unsafe practice, equipment or environment through proper notification including proper supervision of youths at all times; and
• Attending case conferences and other team meetings;

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job duties indicated is not to be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• A high school diploma or GED and a minimum of one-year employment experience in the child welfare field working with children and / or adolescents in a social service setting;
• A genuine respect for and interest in children and their families of diverse racial and ethnic identity and an ability to from a therapeutic relationship with children and their families;
• Ability to demonstrate counseling techniques;
• Written and verbal fluency in English; Fluency in Spanish and / or Haitian Creole is required;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required;
• Exceptional time management and attention to detail;
• Flexibility and willingness to work irregular and long hours including evenings and weekends as the position requires on call rotation with staff;
• Valid state issued driver’s license and auto insurance is required;
• Must pass a criminal background, child abuse and neglect registry clearance and other screening requirements including health assessment, Tuberculosis test and drugs test;
• Possess or be able to obtain CPR and basic first aid certification;
• Support a trauma-informed approach and therapeutic learning environment when interacting with youth;
• Support all functions that attain and maintain accreditation and compliance with regulatory agencies;
• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm and composed under stressful situations;
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, residents, service providers and others; and
• Ability to evaluate / interpret information and make good and independent judgements or decisions; and
• Demonstrated support of USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Satisfactory Completion of USCRI’s Orientation and Training;
• Satisfactory completion of annual mandatory training; and
• Complete additional training as identified by supervisor(s), program director or Human Resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity;
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands;
• Occasional lifting (up to 50 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying;
• Ability to read, write and converse in English; Fluency in Spanish and / or Haitian Creole is required
• Ability to remain calm and composed under stress; and
• Quantitative / mathematical ability (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, and standard measurements).

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer.