Residential Youth Care & Cooking Specialist

Hoyleton Youth And Family Services; Salem (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance with HSA

Dental and vision insurance

Paid vacation, sick, and personal days

6 weeks paid parental leave

403(b) retirement plan with up to 5%"}

Employer-paid life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Hoyleton Youth And Family Services is seeking a Youth Care Worker-Residential Cook to prepare meals for cottages and assist staff in supervising residents. The role delivers structured daily therapeutic programming under supervision, using CARE and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) to foster growth and a safe environment.

Responsibilities include meal planning, record-keeping, engaging youth in therapeutic activities, and documenting Medicaid-compliant interventions.

Qualifications

• Possess or obtain within 90 days of hire a Food Service Sanitation Certification (IDPH).
• Basic first aid skills and ability to identify medical needs.
• Ability to learn CARE practice model and implement daily programming according to CARE.
• Ability to learn TCI curriculum and pass related tests with fidelity.
• Complete CARE training and annual TCI recertification.
• Remain awake and alert for scheduled shifts to ensure client safety.
• Enjoy engaging youth and demonstrate patience and empathy.
• Build positive relationships with youth and staff.
• Meet all DCFS/CANTS clearance requirements.
• Be at least 21 years old and hold a valid Illinois driver’s license with proof of insurance.

Responsibilities

• Prepares nutritious meals and snacks per menus meeting health standards.
• Plans and orders food and supplies; coordinates special meals.
• Maintains kitchen cleanliness per local health regulations.
• Provides supervision to cottage residents to develop cooking/ Cleaning skills.
• Responds to behavioral issues; may participate in client restraints.
• Maintains accurate records per agency policies and state rules.
• Delivers daily therapeutic activities to support social and emotional skills.
• Documents Medicaid-compliant interventions daily.
• Oversees activity schedules and participates in supervision meetings.
• Conducts 15-minute bed checks during overnight shifts and engages youth therapeutically.

Skills

Food service

Youth supervision

Record keeping

Trauma-informed care

Behavior management

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

Job description

Hoyleton Youth And Family Services is seeking a Youth Care Worker-Residential Cook to prepare meals for cottages and assist staff in supervising residents. The role delivers structured daily therapeutic programming under supervision, using CARE and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) to foster growth and a safe environment.

Responsibilities include meal planning, record-keeping, engaging youth in therapeutic activities, and documenting Medicaid-compliant interventions.