Overview
This is an on-call position supporting at-risk youth, ages 14-19, who have experienced neglect or abuse by their caregivers. The role requires a compassionate, responsible individual dedicated to creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
Benefits
- Bonus based on performance
- Flexible schedule
- Training & development
Job Title
Job Title: Child Care Worker: MHP (Mental Health Professional) / RSA (Residential Support Associate)
Location
Location: Ibukun Comprehensive Community Services, Inc. – Ayo Therapeutic Group Home (Chicago IL)
Responsibilities
- Behavior Monitoring & Emotional Support: Actively monitor youth behavior and provide emotional support in line with trauma-informed care practices.
- Daily Living & Activities: Assist youth with daily routines, including meal preparation, personal hygiene, recreational activities, and maintaining a clean and organized home environment.
- Group Facilitation: Facilitate group sessions to promote positive social interaction, conflict resolution, and essential life skills.
- Crisis Intervention: De-Escalation Techniques: Apply Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) techniques in crisis situations to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
- Behavior Treatment Plans (BTP): Follow individualized Behavior Treatment Plans for each youth, providing support aligned with the specified treatment strategies.
- Treatment Goals: Aid youth in achieving goals outlined in their IM CANS treatment plans.
- Documentation & Compliance: Service Notes: Accurately document daily interactions and progress in Service Notes. Incident Reports: Complete detailed Incident Reports as required, ensuring prompt notifications to supervisors and external stakeholders. Shift Communication: Utilize Shift Change Communication Logs to ensure consistent information sharing among staff members. Bedroom Checks: Conduct and document regular bedroom checks to maintain resident safety. Medication Disbursement: Pass medication to the youth as indicated on the prescription and document the youth’s compliance with his medication regimen in the medication log.
- Additional Duties: Monthly Meeting Attendance: Attend the “All-Staff Team Meetings” monthly. Training/Supervision Participation: Engage in training sessions and group and individual monthly supervisions for internal staff. Environment Maintenance: Clean and maintain the physical environment, ensuring rooms and common areas are safe and organized. Household Chores Supervision: Oversee and encourage youth in completing assigned household chores. Enforcing Program Rules: Enforce program rules, report any infractions to the supervisor, and provide reminders of consequences for both positive and negative behaviors. Youth Transportation: Transport youth to and from off-campus activities, ensuring proper supervision during these times. Positive Reinforcement: Emphasize the importance of boundaries and provide positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors. Safety Assurance: Maintain a safe, stable, and supportive environment in the group home. Other Duties: Provide additional assigned duties related to position upon request.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Skills: Empathy, resilience, knowledge of trauma-informed care, time management, punctuality, strong relationship-building abilities, and effective communication.
- Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Experience: Prior experience in a residential or group home setting with abused or neglected youth and youth with behavioral challenges.
- Other Requirements:
- Valid Illinois driver’s license with a “State Acceptable” driving record, enabling the transportation of youth if the facility vehicle is unavailable.
- Updated driving insurance policy on file for agency personnel records.
- Good writing skills and literacy skills to document effectively.
- Ability to communicate effectively with youth with special needs and demonstrate skills in working with youth served in the program.
- Strong commitment to the mission and philosophy of Ibukun Comprehensive Community Services (ICCS).
- High standards of honesty and integrity, serving as a credible role model for staff and youth.
- Pass a fingerprint background check by the Department of Children and Family Services.
- Previous residential care giver experience preferred.
- A minimum of a High School Diploma. Candidate is subjected to mandated background check per Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
- Previous (2) years residential/group home experience with abused/neglected children as well as with children with behavior management problems.
- Must have a valid driver’s license, and valid auto insurance.