Buckman House - Substitute Youth Care Specialist

Positions Summary: The Youth Care Specialist position is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of a residential independent living treatment program for males, ages 17-21, who are re-entering the community from close custody juvenile correction institutions.

The position provides assistance to the Program Manager in creating and implementing Independent Living Curriculum and in assuming duties, as needed, during absences.

The position also provides orientation and program overview to new intakes.

Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor degree in social work, juvenile justice, psychology, sociology, or related OR equivalent education, experience and/or training which is defined, at a minimum, as one year work experience AND two years education, training, or additional work experience.

[Note: No less than 50 percent of Direct Care Staff shall have a Bachelors Degree or 2 years experience working with youth] Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Genuine concern for young people and the ability to treat all people with dignity and respect, and openness to learning and implementing a Positive Youth Development approach to youth work.Ability to work effectively within: culturally diverse populations; team dependent models; crisis management; strength-based theoretical orientation; adolescent development; and family reunification.

A commitment to on-going training and a willingness to receive and act upon feedback.Ability to accurately read, record, and interpret information and complete written documentation that meets contract and program guidelines.Ability to provide visual and auditory supervision of program and youth.Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a broad variety of people, including youth, families, staff, supervisors, and community partners.Ability to stay calm and emotionally available in an environment serving young people who require a high level of supervision and redirection from staff.Ability to exercise independent discretion and judgment within program guidelines.Ability to work effectively in a team-dependent environment and to act on the agenda of the program.Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries working with youth and in handling confidential information.Ability to climb and descend at least two flights of stairs.Ability to escort and supervise clients in the community which may require standing and walking up to an hour at one time.Ability to stay awake and alert throughout entire assigned shift and to perform routine dorm checks and facility walk-throughs.Ability to effectively monitor safety and demonstrate group management skills and effectively de-escalate potentially chaotic or volatile situations.Ability to regularly attend scheduled shift, be punctual for scheduled shift and meetings, and be in a condition suitable for assuming responsibilities of position.Manual dexterity allowing performance of routine office tasks such as writing, phone use, filing...