Youth Care Worker-Detention

JOB SUMMARY

Youth Care Workers are responsible for the direct daily care and supervision of the youth detained in the facility. This position is expected to exert a positive influence over detained youth through daily interaction.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to Shift Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Observe and document behavior of detained youth.
• Prevent physical, sexual, and emotional abuse of detained youth.
• Explain and reinforce rules of operation with detained youth.
• Prepare and deliver services related to basic human needs.
• Ensure community safety by adhering to facility security procedures.
• Interact and guide detained youth regarding individual and group behaviors.
• Meet, greet, and search detained youth during the admissions process.
• Physically manage detained youth to prevent injury, as needed.
• Transport detained youth to court and medical appointments.
• Monitor residents during off-site programming events.
• Administer first aid to detained youth, as necessary.
• Available to work weekends, holidays and flexible shifts, as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• In accordance with PA Code 0-h, applicants must be years of age.
• Candidates must possess an associate’s degree or college credits in a related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.
• Knowledge of basic institutional housekeeping.
• Knowledge of behaviors associated with detained youth
• Experience working with juveniles
• Good organizational skills.
• Dependable individual who is self-starter and can work with minimal supervision.
• Individual needs to be culturally competent
• Proficient in the use of a personal computer using common word processing, data entry and email software
• Ability to speak and write legibly and articulately.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor under stressful situations.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment.
• Ability to interact with youth in a positive manner.
• Able to perform multiple duties in a fast paced environment.
• Able to handle CONFIDENTIAL information in a professional manner.
• Ability to produce high volumes of work with minimal errors.

REQUIRED LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS / CLEARANCES

Clean criminal record, FBI Clearance, and child abuse record. Clearances are due at the time of hire.

Must have and maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with County policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must have the ability to physically restrain youth ages ten to eighteen when displaying physical aggression or self-harming behaviors in order to prevent injury, as needed.

• Occasional pushing and pulling up to lbs.
• Walking % of the time
• Sitting % of the time

This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B. Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B is provided.