Childcare Worker

About This Role

Caring for and guiding young individuals, especially those with developmental disabilities or special needs, is the core of this role. The Youth Care Specialist provides direct care, implements care plans, engages children in conversation, intervenes during crises, and ensures a safe and nurturing environment, maintaining constant line-of-sight supervision. The role also involves cleaning duties and food service during mealtimes.

Responsibilities

• Provide alert and attentive supervision
• Accompany and/or drive children to offsite appointments, onsite schooling, activities, and other outings as determined by the program
• Oversee and encourage children's daily activities, helping to foster a positive and trauma-informed environment
• Complete and submit internal incident reports accurately and according to protocol within required time frames
• Model appropriate behaviors (e.g., respect for others, appropriate dress, appropriate conflict resolution, etc.)
• Participate in mandatory on-going in-service training program
• Complete other duties as required by the Supervisor
• Allocate medications appropriately and follow medication distribution procedures
• Perform 15-minute room checks of youth during night shifts and document pertinent information regarding student behavior, sleep patterns, occurrences of nightmares, etc.
• Notify Program Director or supervisor of any unusual incidents or emergency situations
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA regulations to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals

Requirements

• Self-directed and exercises good judgment
• Supports, encourages, and assists coworkers as equal team members
• Valid driver's license
• Teachable and follows directions as given by the Supervisor
• Effective communication skills, self-control in crisis situations, relationship building with resistive children, and assertiveness
• Basic writing and effective communication skills, especially relative to shift notes and communication with other staff
• Maintains professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Empathetic, patient, and treats others with respect
• At least 1 year experience working with a similar population
• At least 21 years of age
• Desire to work with troubled teens
• Able to pass a criminal background check, drug screen, physical, and TB test
• High School Diploma or GED
• High degree of proficiency with Windows, MS Word, and Excel
• Confidence working with technology
• Good verbal, written and oral communication skills

Nice to have: