The primary role of the Lead Youth Care Specialist is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the therapeutic respite cottage in partnership with the Program Administrator. The Lead Youth Care Specialist is to provide care and support to staff and youth with high-level behavioral needs in the therapeutic respite program, generate quality documentation and perform duties necessary for the overall safety and well-being of the staff and youth under their care. This position requires a fluid schedule which includes but not limited to mid-mornings, afternoons, and evenings. $5000 signing bonus.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent and three (3) to five (5) years of child welfare experience preferred; or any combination of training, education and experience which would provide the required knowledge, abilities and skills.
• Experience working as a mental health technician, behavior technician or psychiatric aide, preferred
• Experience in a setting providing respite/short-term care services or therapeutic group care, preferred
• Supervisory experience, preferred
• Knowledge of Teaching Family Model, preferred

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability and willingness to work with youth of all ages and all levels of behavioral and mental health stability
• Ability to work with youth whose mental health and behaviors can reflect that of trauma related experiences
• Willingness to actively interact with youth who have intensive behavioral difficulties
• Must have strong communication skills including accurate and detailed writing abilities for case notes to meet all Medicaid and billing requirements
• Ability to set appropriate limits and boundaries with youth
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential issues
• Must have the energy and flexibility to meet the changing needs of youth
• Ability to follow directions from direct supervisor and other leadership
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and make sound decisions in stressful atmosphere
• Ability to observe individuals and report accurate findings
• Ability to handle emergencies and follow appropriate protocols
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with co-workers to support and implement The Teaching Family Model and holistic program philosophy

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth and staff

• Serve as positive role model for youth and staff regarding showing respect and boundaries

• Demonstrated ability to work with the treatment team to make decisions on issues related to the resident/residents and staff in the cottage you are assigned

• Must have sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions in a stressful atmosphere
• Demonstrated ability and knowledge in effective communication and conflict resolution

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid Florida Driver's License
• The Lead Youth Care Specialist is responsible for completion of required trainings and certifications within the first 90 days of employment and as required by regulation thereafter

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for learning, being competent and following through with agency policies and procedures
• Responsible for monitoring staff on documentation
• Ensure that staff are completing the duties outlined in the shift expectations for each shift and demonstrate ability to provide guidance and supervision to a team with the Program Administrator
• Carries out agency policies and procedures in the cottage and on-campus as dictated by the Policy and Procedures Manual and assigned supervisor
• Maintains the cottage, its furnishings, and its grounds
• Responsible for documentation according to agency policy, i.e. daily progress notes, incident reports, e-mail communication and is familiar with the computer resources in the staff office
• Ensures proper administers and documents medications as prescribed to youth in cottages
• Ensures implementation of the behavioral program that includes, but not limited to providing interventions based on individualized treatment & behavioral plans, recording behaviors through point sheets, communication logs, and providing reinforces at appropriate times
• Reviews medication logs for accuracy each shift and report to staff, Program Administrator and nurse for changes needed or any supporting documentation
• Conducts oneself as a “role model” for youth; establish and maintain professional boundaries with youth in the cottage; provide appropriate direction for youth in their daily routines; give youth positive reinforcement as appropriate
• Ensures backup coverage for a Youth Care Specialist II who is absent and assume all duties required to ensure effective coverage of that outage
• Monitors and gives guidance to shift staff in crisis situations
• Establishes effective and positive relationships with shift staff and provides constructive feedback to others regarding their work performance/duties and/or areas of progress
• Ensures the maintenance of the order, safety, cleanliness of the facility, housekeeping and adequate supervision of youth at all times
• Recognizes deficits with staff performance and meets with Program Administrator to discuss solutions
• Holds staff meetings and trainings as required
• Performs other duties and responsibilities, as assigned

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible to attend meetings for the program, organization and contract agency.
• Leads program meetings in the absence of the Program Administrator
• Participates in training that is required by regulatory entities and as assigned by the Program Administrator

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, write and speak the English language.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and will include, but will not be limited to computers, printers, telephones, and normal communication. Noise may also include acting out behavior in children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE

Vacations, sick leave, holidays, emergency leave, termination of employment, etc., shall be in accordance with published Personnel Policies of the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home. Other policies concerning full time employees are as set forth in the current policies and procedures manual.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Florida United Methodist Children's Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation/gender identity, place of national origin and other categories protected by law are not factors in employment, promotion, compensation or working conditions.