The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) supports people who have lost or left their homes. For over 100 years, the unwavering commitment of our leadership, team, network of service providers, and advocates has helped redirect the destiny of countless vulnerable lives. In neighborhoods, in Washington, and around the world, we break down barriers and demand justice for refugees and immigrants as they successfully integrate into new communities. We provide essential social and legal services to rebuild productive lives, turning tragedy into prosperity. We are a purpose driven organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide and supporting their transition to a dignified life. To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.refugees.org
OVERVIEW
The Lead Youth Care Specialist provides oversight to a team of Youth Care Specialists and youth within the facility. This position will have direct responsibility in assuring his/her direct reports provide safe, non-threatening, creative, and supportive environments focusing on behavior management, building social skills and developing positive relationships. The Lead Youth Care Specialist reports to Assistant Program Director.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide leadership, supervision, counseling coaching and guidance to Youth Care Specialists to carry out their responsibilities seven days a week and successfully handle employee relations, disciplinary action and organizational development issues, and provide resolution under the direction of senior management and Human Resources;
- Identify staff training and development needs and ensure that training is obtained;
- Provide basic needs to youth including but not limited to supervising meals in accordance with menu, clothing, hygiene products, shower and bedroom assignment as needed;
- Receive, maintain, and distribute inventory;
- Direct, coordinate and participate in the intake and release of youth, off-site trips, and use of the facilities vehicles;
- Ensure that ratios and appropriate supervision levels are continuously met as per state and federal requirements;
- Direct Youth Care Specialists in planning and implementing educational events, acculturation activities and recreational programs outside the facility and other meaningful experiences for youth in conjunction with the team;
- Assume responsibility of control and reporting of facility expenditures, including receipt and distribution of youth’s allowance;
- Consult and collaborate with staff, and other service providers on problems of individual youth and make recommendations in crisis intervention, emergency and conflict situations;
- Maintain records, prepare reports and compose correspondence related to work;
- Provide therapeutic care to meet the special needs of youth in care and when necessary, appropriate crisis intervention consistent with training guidelines;
- Utilize behavior management tools and document youth behavior and share information with appropriate staff regarding youth’s program participation;
- Develop positive rapport with youth while serving as a role model to create a safe and caring environment;
- Ensure all forms and progress notes are properly completed to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements;
- Serve as a model appropriate behavior (e.g.; respect for others, appropriate dress, appropriate conflict of resolution, etc.);
- Promote and utilize culturally sensitive care and treatment of child, families, and co-workers and actively work to reduce bias and promote cultural sensitivity and acculturation;
- Maintain the shelter in accordance with ORR, DCF, OSHA and agency health and safety standards and check for and report repair and maintenance needs for the physical condition of the facility;
- Transport residents to various appointments and activities;
- Adhere to all Agency and departmental Safety Procedures including reporting and unsafe practices, equipment and environment, and takes active role in correcting the unsafe practice, equipment or environment through proper notification including proper supervision of youths at all times; and
- Attend case conferences and other team meetings.
All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job duties indicated is not to be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- A high school diploma or GED with 2 years of supervisory experience in child welfare/juvenile justice OR an Associate’s degree with 3 year of experience in child welfare;
- A genuine respect for and interest in children and their families of diverse racial and ethnic identity and an ability to from a therapeutic relationship with children and their families;
- Ability to demonstrate counseling techniques;
- Written and verbal fluency in English and Spanish is required;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office required;
- Exceptional time management and attention to detail;
- Flexibility and willingness to work irregular and long hours including evenings and weekends as the position requires on call rotation with staff.
- Valid state issued driver’s license and auto insurance is required;
- Must pass a criminal background, child abuse and neglect registry clearance and other screening requirements including health assessment, Tuberculosis test and drugs test;
- Possess or be able to obtain CPR and basic first aid certification;
- Support a trauma-informed approach and therapeutic learning environment when interacting with youth;
- Support all functions that attain and maintain accreditation and compliance with regulatory agencies;
- Ability to work under pressure and remain calm and composed under stressful situations;
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff, residents, service providers and others;
- Ability to evaluate/interpret information and make good and independent judgements or decisions; and
- Demonstrated support of USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
- Satisfactory Completion of USCRI’s Orientation and Training;
- Satisfactory completion of annual mandatory training; and
- Complete additional training as identified by supervisor(s), program director or Human Resources.
Please submit a resume with cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application.
Apply for Lead Youth Care Specialist/Worker using the link below:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment....
References will be required at time of the final interview.
No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled.