NATURE OF WORK
Under general supervision, an entry level position encompassing the redirection of youth behaviors through the use of therapeutic treatment plans, supervision, and monitoring of youth resident activities. Instructs youth residents on basic living skills and social skills. Works with others in overseeing the daily activities of disadvantaged youth, who are at high risk for substance abuse, admitted to a child care residential facility due to abuse, neglect, status offences and/or delinquency. Ensures the safety and well-being of child residents. Requires 24-hour shift rotation, and an element of personal risk and physical danger is involved. Youth Residential Worker 1 is responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of the residents. Youth Residential Worker 1 serves as a role model for the residential youth. A valid driver's license is required. Performs related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Supervises the daily activities of residential youths; assures proper grooming and personal hygiene; supervises attendance at meal periods; initiates and participates in indoor and outdoor recreational activities; assures cleaning of living areas by youths.
Provides basic instruction on life skills and personal hygiene.
Maintains security of the facility, and the safety, security and care of youths.
Conducts periodic search of facilities to assure security of premises.
Searches for contraband and prohibited articles.
Observes and records problematic behavior of residential youths.
Physically restrains youths involved in altercations or are deemed a risk to self or others.
Prepares reports on youth behavior for court purposes; files reports of damages to facility and property.
Operates laundry machines; prepares meals when necessary. Participates in the daily program activities for youths.
Transports youth to various appointments and escorts youth to and from school.
Implements therapeutic treatment plans by monitoring, scheduling, and evaluating the youths' participation and completion of the planned behavior objectives.
Interacts with residents to facilitate development of living and social skills; reinforces positive behavior; offers alternatives to inappropriate behavior; listens and responds appropriately to resident requests and problems, giving feedback.
Encourages resident participation, while coordinating and participating in recreational and other activities.
Documents injuries to residents and staff; completes incident reports.
Plans recreation and other resident activities.
Participates in staff meetings, training sessions, resident case staffing, and other related meetings.
Meets with supervisor and other management staff as required.
Provides physical intervention techniques when required and directed by supervisor.
Reviews case recordings, staff notes, administrative regulations and memorandums.
Completes all paperwork including but not limited to: daily sign-in sheet, daily staff log, telephone call sheet, meal log. Recognizes and responds to emergencies (or potential emergencies) such as fire, escapes, or power outages.
Conducts resident orientation and review of resident handbook; insures rights are maintained.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the legal rights of families and youth who are involved with the court system.
Knowledge of basic elements of personal hygiene and grooming.
Ability to learn behavior patterns and problem characteristics of disadvantaged youth.
Skilled in communicating effectively with juvenile offenders.
Ability to work effectively in problem situations.
Ability to interact with co-workers, residents and the public to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Training:
Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent.
Experience:
One year of full-time or equivalent part-time paid employment.
Substitution:
Successfully completed study in an accredited college or university may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Established: 8/20/92
Revised:      8/20/98; 2/15/07
Title Change: 8/20/98; 2/15/07
Effective:     2/15/07

[Top of Page]