YOUTH CARE JOB DESCRIPTION
Note: This job description is an example only. Social Service Network does not guarantee or imply that any or all of the contents below will or would be used by potential employer. This job description is
a culmination of various job descriptions and serves only as an example.
Nature Of Work
Direct service work dealing with potentially dangerous psychologically, emotionally, and dually diagnosed children with mental
illnesses.
Work involves responsibility for processing intakes and discharges; monitoring and documenting client
behaviors and activities; participating and assisting with educational, social and recreational activities; providing a safe and
therapeutic environment; interacting in a warm compassionate manner; de-escalating, and restraining clients when necessary;
promoting client achievement of treatment plan goals and objectives. Work is performed in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Essential Functions Of Work
Responsible for monitoring the behavior and activities of each client; reports any concerns regarding the health, safety, or well
being of a client to the appropriate authority. Serves as a positive role model; utilizes approved behavior modification techniques
to help clients learn desirable behaviors; provides positive reinforcement and support to clients. Conducts and participates in
basic life skills activities. Provides clients with training or assistance with basic daily living skills such as: bathing, shaving,
grooming etc; uses token/point system to reward positive behavior. Assists in the planning and implementation of individual
treatment plan; supports client goals; encourages and assists clients in achieving their goals.
Processes admissions and discharges for voluntary and/or involuntary clients; orients the client to the facility; explains rules, policies and procedures.
Completes required program documentation. Completes reports as required; daily, weekly, monthly etc. Documents service
activity notes daily on clients' activities, behavior patterns, and changes in behavior patterns, medications. Reviews and
documents in shift report logs, shift logs, companion files etc. Obtains required program information; inventories client valuables.
Assists nurse with administering medications; takes vitals; counts control substance medications; supervises self-administered
medications. Conducts security/safety checks; monitors visitors/clients for contraband such as knives, razors, belts; conducts
searches; removes dangerous items; performs and/or assists with restraints. Collects urine specimens; delivers to laboratory if
required; utilizes infection control procedures when necessary. May shop for supplies/clothing for clients; assists with the preparation and dispensing of snacks and meals.
Participates in meetings as required; converses with staff on client's progress or lack of progress. Performs general office duties;
answers telephones; communicates with the public, police, DCF, DJJ, hospitals etc; links clients to needed services; makes
doctor appointments; files, types, copies; receives food shipments; order supplies etc. Performs general cleaning responsibilities such as laundry, mopping, garbage removal etc.
Attends training /in-services as required.
Controls verbally and/or physically abusive and aggressive clients and performs aggression control techniques; assists with
restraints when necessary. Communicates effectively with suicidal, mentally, emotionally, and/or psychologically disturbed clients
in person and over the telephone to diffuse potentially life-threatening situations. Transports clients to other agencies, hospitals, homes, community activities, AA meetings etc.
Researches, plans, develops, implements and conducts therapeutic social, educational/vocational, life skills, and
recreational/physical fitness activities or programs for individuals, groups, and families. Facilitates or co-leads daily group
activities such as problem solving, goal planning, self-esteem, interpersonal skills, behavior management, etc.; prepares activity calendar.
Plans, organizes and supervises group outings/special functions; contacts outside agencies /organizations/businesses for donations
, tours, etc.; coordinates volunteers. May coordinate vocational services and act as a job coach.
Leads and participates in process/performance improvement teams/activities.
Ensures compliance with standards and security safeguards such as room checks; removal of dangerous items.
Assesses, develops and implements individual service/treatment plans; meets individually with client; identifies strengths and
weaknesses; discusses goals; encourages and assists clients in achieving their goals; writes updates and discharge summaries.
Develops and presents in-services on client care topics such as special population needs, diagnosis, medicine side effects, and advanced documentation skills.
Performs other related work as required.
Typical Minimum Requirements Of Work
- Possession of a high school degree or equivalent and 2 years of related experience working with children or any
equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:
- Some knowledge of the human services field and the application of basic client care skills. Some knowledge of
communicable diseases. Ability to defuse potentially dangerous situations, and remain calm in an emergency. Ability to
utilize behavior management techniques and serve as a role model. Ability to communicate effectively in person and in
writing with the public, clinical professionals, and outside agencies. Ability to prepare and maintain written documentation.
Some knowledge of the juvenile justice system and CINS/FINS programs preferred.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle to transport clients. Ability to perform light housekeeping responsibilities. Ability to operate standard office equipment and standard household appliances.
- Ability to handle verbally and/or physically abusive and aggressive clients and utilize aggression control techniques to
ensure the safety and well being of the client, other clients, and employees in the unit. Ability to communicate effectively
with suicidal, mentally, emotionally, and/or psychologically disturbed clients in person and over the telephone.
Necessary Special Requirements
Possession of a valid driver's license, proof of personal automobile insurance, and have acceptable driving record if required to
drive company vehicle and/or use personal vehicle for company business.
Complete mandatory security screening program within specified number of working days of employment. Complete Aggression
Control Techniques, CPR, First Aid and AIDS training during the first six (6) months of employment and updated as required.
Complete job specific training in 1st year of employment and a specified number of hours annually.
This job description can also be found in Word form here
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