Description

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Tippecanoe County provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Youth Development Specialist for the Tippecanoe County Cary Home, responsible for interacting with youth to improve engagement in healthy development in residential, natural environment and community setting in order to assist in successful reintegration into the community.

DUTIES:

• Provides nurturing environment and close, intensive supervision and security for male and female adolescent residents. Observes and talks with youth assessing individual needs, interests, fears and competencies with an appreciation of the organization and community context. Ensures that youth are supported in asset development.
• Assures residents’ basic needs are met, including meals, exercise, hygiene and sleep.
• Teaches healthy living skills and conducts recreational and social activities enhancing skill acquisition.
• Serves as positive role model and demonstrates professionalism with regard to healthy interactions and respectful communication with residents and team members.
• Utilizes behavior management techniques appropriately with residents.
• Delivers clear, specific, timely and respectful feedback, with attention and consideration to residents’ individual treatment needs.
• Monitors activities and current location of residents and maintains a physically safe environment.
• Ensures attendance at medical, dental, counseling or other social service appointments, including providing and/or arranging transportation. Administers medication accurately and timely, under supervision of Nurse.
• Assures residents’ daily schedule is followed.
• Leads, facilitates and participates in group life skills training sessions and/or other evidence based programs to assist residents in skill development and goal achievement.
• Works effectively within a team environment, ensuring open, honest and clear communication is occurring. Provides mentoring and training to team members, such as new staff members to ensure success.
• Maintains frequent communication with various individuals regarding client care, including Probation Officers, school officials, Case Workers, and parents. Participates and contributes to treatment team meetings and all Staff Meetings in a constructive manner.
• Prepares and submits daily reports detailing behavior and interventions of individual residents in accordance with program procedures.
• Inspects grounds for damage and potential repair problems. Periodically performs light maintenance and cleaning on department property.
• Answers telephone and greets home visitors, providing information and assistance, taking messages, and/or transferring/directing to appropriate individual.
• Meets regularly with Team Leaders and actively participates in supervision.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Ability to complete all required certifications and training programs. Certification or ability to be certified in CPR/First Responder.
• Thorough knowledge of accepted theories, practices, and interventions for counseling youth and their families, with ability to apply theories and interventions to both family and individual circumstances. Knowledge of youth behavior, issues and trends.
• Knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare and submit daily reports detailing behavior and interventions of individual residents.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County personnel, school officials, Case Workers, Probation Officers, parents, related social agencies, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.
• Ability to deal swiftly, rationally and decisively with potentially violent individuals and de-escalate volatile situations by means of conversation/negotiation.
• Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of Department information and records according to state requirements.
• Ability to comply with all employer and Department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment.
• Ability/Flexibility to work extended, weekend and/or evening/night shifts/hours.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and a demonstrated safe driving record. 

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent performs duties in accordance with well-established procedures and personnel policies, exercising judgment in supervising and disciplining residents.

III. RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent applies standard department practices and procedures to individual cases, referring unusual problems and situations to supervisor as needed. Work is reviewed for soundness of judgment, achievement of desired results, and overall adherence with Department policies.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains communication with co-workers, other County personnel, school officials, Case Workers, Probation Officers, parents, related social agencies, and the public for purposes of exchanging and explaining information and coordinating client services and activities.  

Incumbent’s work may occasionally involve non-routine problem-solving to gain cooperation of potentially violent clients in situations that may jeopardize the safety of incumbent or others.

Incumbent reports directly to Team Leaders.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs duties in residential youth home involving normal hazards associated with at-risk adolescents, such as verbal abuse, communicable diseases and potentially violent/hostile individuals. Incumbent duties involve lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds, driving, handling/grasping objects, and hearing sounds and communication. Incumbent is periodically exposed to violent residents and occasionally works extended, weekend and/or evening hours.