Youth Care Worker-Detention FT

YWCA USA; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster County Government is seeking a Youth Care Worker to provide direct daily care and supervision of youth detained in the facility. You will interact with youth and help maintain safety by documenting behaviors and enforcing rules.

The role requires strong observation, confidentiality, and the ability to work with diverse youth. Weekend, holiday, and flexible shifts are expected as part of this position.

Qualifications

• Experience or knowledge of juvenile justice and child welfare systems.
• Ability to observe and document detained youth behavior.
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and in diverse environments.

Responsibilities

• Observe and document behavior of detained youth.
• Prevent abuse and ensure safety according to procedures.
• Explain and reinforce rules of operation with detained youth.
• Prepare and deliver services for basic human needs.
• Interact with detained youth regarding individual and group behaviors.
• Meet, greet, and search detained youth during admissions.
• Physically manage detained youth to prevent injury as needed.
• Transport youth to court and medical appointments.
• Monitor residents during off-site programming events.
• Administer first aid as necessary.
• Available to work weekends and flexible shifts.

Skills

Youth supervision

Juvenile behavior observation

Confidential information handling

Cultural competence

Documentation and data entry

Interpersonal communication

De-escalation

Education

Associate’s degree or 60 college credits

Job description

Starting Compensation: $57,491.20/Annually

Find job security and stability alongside a growing community and a team that supports you. Level up your career through a large network and specialty training.

If you're passionate about making a difference.

Job Description

Additional Job Description

Job Summary

• Youth Care Workers are responsible for the direct daily care and supervision of the youth detained in the facility.
• This position is expected to exert a positive influence over detained youth through daily interaction.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to Shift Supervisor.

Essential Job Functions

• Observe and document behavior of detained youth.
• Prevent physical, sexual, and emotional abuse of detained youth.
• Explain and reinforce rules of operation with detained youth.
• Prepare and deliver services related to basic human needs.
• Ensure community safety by adhering to facility security procedures.
• Interact and guide detained youth regarding individual and group behaviors.
• Meet, greet, and search detained youth during the admissions process.
• Physically manage detained youth to prevent injury, as needed.
• Transport detained youth to court and medical appointments.
• Monitor residents during off-site programming events.
• Administer first aid to detained youth, as necessary.
• Available to work weekends, holidays, and flexible shifts, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• In accordance with PA Code 3800-55h, applicants must be 21 years of age.
• Candidates must possess an associate’s degree or 60 college credits in a related field.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.
• Knowledge of basic institutional housekeeping.
• Knowledge of behaviors associated with detained youth
• Experience working with juveniles
• Good organizational skills.
• Dependable individual who is self-starter and can work with minimal supervision.
• Individuals need to be culturally competent
• Proficient in the use of a personal computer using common word processing, data entry and email software
• Ability to speak and write legibly and articulately.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor under stressful situations.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment.
• Ability to interact with youth in a positive manner.
• Able to perform multiple duties in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to handle CONFIDENTIAL information in a professional manner.
• Ability to produce high volumes of work with minimal errors.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Clean criminal record, FBI Clearance, and child abuse record.
• Must have and maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with County policy.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Must have the ability to physically manage youth ages ten to eighteen when displaying physical aggression or self-harming behaviors in order to prevent injury, as needed.
• Occasional pushing and pulling up to 150 lbs.
• Walking 40% of the time
• Sitting 60% of the time
• This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B. Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B is provided.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.