Youth Specialist

ZOE International; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A youth care organization is seeking Youth Specialists to provide trauma-informed care and supervision for youth. The role involves coaching life skills, participating in daily activities, and ensuring a safe environment. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience, along with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Verbal fluency in Spanish is preferred. This position is available for part-time or full-time and is located in Chicago, Illinois.

Qualifications

• Valid Certificate as an Alcohol or Drug Counselor with experience working with youth.
• Ability to provide trauma-informed care for youth.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification may be required.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and trauma-informed care for youth.
• Coach youth in practical life skills development.
• Record progress of individual youth's personal goals.
• Administer discipline and set limits for behavior to foster development and a safe living environment.
• Supervise and assist during home-based learning.
• Administer medications as appropriate and in accordance with training.
• Record progress of individual youth and communicate findings to supervisors.
• Assist with nutritious and culturally relevant meal planning and preparation.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Perform record-keeping functions as directed.
• Perform other functions as directed by supervisory staff.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Empathy

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Completion of Early Childhood Education or related

Job description

ZOE International

Reports to STRTP ADMINISTRATOR
Part-time or Full-Time

Description

Youth Specialists help to foster an environment of love and safety for youth who have been trafficked or experienced other traumatic forms of abuse. These individuals provide direct care for youth placed at ZOE Home for Youth. Youth Specialists participate in a wide range of daily activities alongside youth, providing support and mentoring in such areas as, education, recreation, cleaning, and cooking.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision, protection, and trauma-informed care for youth individually and in groups.
• Coach youth in the development of practical life skills (e.g., cleaning, home maintenance, and personal care).
• Train and mentor youth in the development of higher-level life skills (e.g., healthy response to fear reminders, conflict resolution, problem-solving, teamwork, and goals management).
• Administer discipline and set limits for behavior in order to foster individual development as well as a safe and healthy living environment.
• Supervised and assist during home-based learning.
• Administer medications as appropriate and in accordance with training.
• Record progress of individual youth in attaining their personal goals; identify possible needs for professional services; and communicate findings to the Facility Manager or professional staff.
• Assist with nutritious and culturally relevant meal planning and meal preparation.
• Participate in staff meetings and staff trainings.
• Perform record-keeping functions as directed.
• Perform other functions as directed by supervisory staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Completion of 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education PLUS at least 100 hours of experience working with youth
• Valid Certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor, or Alcohol and Drug Counselor PLUS at least 100 hours of experience working with youth
• One year of full-time employment or documented volunteer experience (or equivalent hours) working at a group home, short-term residential therapeutic program, or substance abuse treatment center

Other Requirements

• Ability to provide effective trauma-informed care for youth
• Excellent interpersonal skills (empathy, listening skills, and verbal communication skills)
• Good written communication skills
• Ability to solve problems in a collaborative manner
• Ability to engage and develop a rapport with youth from various backgrounds
• Ability to provide consistency and behavioral limits through relationship-based interventions
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Valid California Driver’s license and a good driving record (Department of Motor Vehicle printout required.)
• Behavior that reflects the standards of a role model for youth served at ZOE Home for Youth
• Flexibility
• Good physical health (Good health must be verified by a physician or physician- supervised medical professional and must include a tuberculosis screening that is given not more than one year prior to employment or seven days after the first day of employment and is repeated annually thereafter.)
• Criminal record clearance
• Minimum age of 21 years
• Willingness to sign and adhere to ZOE International’s Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, and other policies and procedures

Additional Information

• Verbal fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required