Youth Empowerment Specialist (4pm - 12am) (Weekend Shift Differential)

Purpose of Position Provide for a safe and secure environment for either youth ages 5-22 in a licensed emergency shelter and ages 18-22 in the Transitional Living Program (TLP). Assist residents in day-to-day events, providing supervision and understanding of the residential program's structure and daily milieu. Work directly with the youth seeking residential care to ensure at all times that their basic needs are met in a satisfactory manner. Essential Job Functions

GENERAL DUTIES

Know and enforce program policies and procedures, including ensuring compliance with TDFPS Minimum Standards for General Residential Operations and for the specific program. Understand and implement program services that reflect a trauma informed care approach and encourage positive youth development. Ensure the emotional, physical, and developmental needs of the residents are being met. Supervise residents' daily behavior to include: Relationships with others, chore performance, group activities, individual tasks, and school (or work, as applicable) behavior. Record daily observation on each resident (behaviors, incidents, issues, medications, etc.) in the resident's Daily Logbook.

Shelter:

Ensure the provision of structured and unstructured activities and learning activities for the shelter residents. TLP and shelter youth ages 15 and over: Assist the youth with learning independent living skills, including establishing healthy leisure skills, self-care skills, and other core strategies as outlined by the Ansel-Casey life skills assessment. Flexibility to provide coverage to all shifts as needed or assigned by program supervisor or the program's Licensed Child Care Administrator. Perform routine cleaning, household laundry duties, and maintenance assigned by supervisor (to include the performance of recurring weekly/monthly chores) to ensure shelter adheres to all health and licensing standards. Always model appropriate behavior and social skills. Take information for intake referral calls and crisis intervention referral calls. Conduct all aspects of intake and discharge process as per policy and procedure. Assist in crisis intervention with residents. Assist in file audits; ensure all closed files are audited and current residents' files are audited at least monthly. Prepare and serve meals/snacks, if required, on assigned shifts. Assist in the preparation of the next meal to be served if necessary. Dispense medications (both prescription and non-prescription over the counter medications) and complete required documentation regarding the dispensation, disposal, and count audit of medication as required. For TLP, assist youth with monitoring and complying with medication needs Monitor and attend to the medical needs of residents (be attentive to the maintenance needs and potential concerns related to each resident's health). For TLP, assist youth with understanding and utilizing area resources for meeting medical and mental health needs. Transport youth as required, at all times adhering to safe driving standards while in Connections' vehicles. Must have reliable transportation and maintain a current and valid driver's license and liability insurance at all times. Interact with the staff and residents in a positive manner, providing a nurturing and secure environment at all times. Attend scheduled staff trainings and staff meetings as directed by supervisor and provide suggestions or quality improvement of the program. Monitor and promptly resolve or report per policy issues that affect the health or safety of youth, staff, or the facility. Ensure that all donations are logged on a donation form and submitted to the Business Department by the next working day. Ensure that all program expenses appropriately meet program requirements and that receipts are maintained and submitted to the supervisor by the end of the shift. Ensure phone calls are answered promptly (within 3 rings) and professionally and that call are responded to and/or routed to the appropriate person. Ensure that all crisis intervention calls are handled in a timely and appropriate manner. Ensure that all documentation and reports are completed within established time frames. Act cooperatively with all staff, program coordinators, shelter staff and counselors. Assume other duties and responsibilities designated by the Residential Services Administrator and/or Executive Director.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A RESIDENTIAL STAFF

Ability to work positively with youth: Must be comfortable and enthusiastic with working with youth, be firm and fair with discipline; be assertive but nurturing, and act authoritatively when necessary. Must be interested and invested in working with youth on day to day issues. Must be able to work well under pressure, remain calm in a crisis, and able to keep one's own emotional stability in the face of turmoil. Must be mature, self-motivated and able to work positively with a team. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively.

Must be flexible and adaptable:

able to learn new concepts quickly; able to take initiative in addressing issues and situations creatively, able and willing to provide coverage to all shifts as needed, or as assigned by Program Coordinator. Must be able to multi-task effectively and able to supervise residents while performing other duties such as cooking, dispensing meds, etc. Must demonstrate patience and professionalism with youth and coworkers Must be able to establish and maintain clear, unbiased, professional boundaries with each youth.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Hourly wage, based on education and experience.

Office Base:

Determined at time of employment. Fringe benefits outlined in the organization's personnel handbook

On-Call Duty:

Expected to fill vacant shifts.

Supervision:

Responsible to the Program (Shelter or TLP) Coordinator

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE

Must be able to meet all requirements of Job Profile. Must meet all requirements stated in TDFPS Minimum Standards for working with youth in the State of Texas. Bachelor's Degree preferred, high school diploma or equivalent required. Must be able to work well with others.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Are you comfortable managing crisis and maintaining safety with youth who have experienced trauma and may display challenging behaviors? This position pays $18-21/hour. Does this meet your compensation expectations? Why are you interested in this position?

Experience:

working with youth in shelter/residential setting: 1 year (Preferred) Shift availability: Night Shift (Required) Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person