Youth Shelter Care Specialist – Relief

(WCA) Wisconsin Counties Association; Illinois; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking compassionate individuals to provide direct care and services to youth in a shelter setting. This role involves actively engaging with residents to foster their educational and life skills while ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Responsibilities include maintaining facility operations, preparing meals, and documenting necessary paperwork. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to trauma-informed care and teamwork, making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable youth. Join this rewarding opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and support the growth and well-being of young individuals.

Qualifications

• Experience in providing direct care to youth in a shelter environment.
• Understanding of trauma informed care principles.

Responsibilities

• Engage youth in educational and recreational activities.
• Ensure basic needs of residents are met and maintain facility operations.

Skills

Direct Care

Conflict Resolution

Teamwork

Trauma Informed Care

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Degree in Social Work or Related Field

Job description

Provides direct care and services to the residents of Winnebago County DHS Shelter Care as directed/guided by the Shelter Care Supervisor, Care Advocate Specialists and other professional staff. Provides a safe, secure and positive environment. Completes necessary and required paperwork for all youth residents and the facility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides direct care and services to all of the children and youth at the shelter care facility. Actively engages youth residents in educational, recreational, intellectual and life skills activities. Provides formal and informal groups, programming and learning opportunities. Encourages and supports resident positive pro-social behavior.
2. Maintains the facility and daily operations. Ensures the basic needs of the youth are met, including but not limited to nutritional food preparation and medication monitoring. Purchases needed food and supplies; cleans and organizes the facility. Provides youth transportation to school, work, court, recreational activities and other appointments as needed.
3. Completes all paperwork as required by the agency and state licensing rules and regulations. Follows all agency and licensing rules and regulations of the facility. Performs intake and discharge processes. Observes and records behavior of the residents. Shares written and verbal information with appropriate parties. Completes and documents all required training within required timeframes.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Assists the Care Advocate Specialists in facilitating groups, programming, basic needs and educational sessions.
2. Assists children/youth in following daily schedules, including constructive use of free time.
3. Performs duties related to the overall maintenance of the facility, including housekeeping, meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and other duties, as assigned.
4. Attends and participates in staff meetings, in-service training, and other meetings as needed, including all required training as well as optional training relevant to the position.
5. Addresses and resolves conflict in a professional manner.
6. Manages stress in a professional manner, including actively engaging in professional and personal activities which help mitigate the impact of secondary traumatic stress.
7. Follows Trauma Informed Care principles and practices, and demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a positive, healthy work culture.
8. Makes recommendations, as appropriate, to the Program Supervisor for changes in operational activities or policies/procedures governing the facility.
9. Provides comprehensive and supportive coaching, modeling, and guidance to youth through a variety of intervention services to address their social, emotional, educational, and health issues.
10. Works cooperatively as a team-oriented member of the Shelter care facility as well as the Child Welfare Division of Human Services assisting co-workers with their duties, and participating in collaborative efforts internally and outside of the agency.
11. Performs other related duties as may be assigned.