Youth Worker - Residential Services

Jackson County Missouri; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson County Missouri is looking for a Youth Worker to ensure the safety and security of youth in a facility. This role involves supervising daily activities, helping with behavior management, and implementing treatment plans. Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma and be at least 25 years old.

The position is shift work requiring a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and successful completion of background checks and a physical examination. Join us in making a positive impact on youth lives.

Qualifications

• Must be age 25 or older.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.
• Successful completion of physical exam and background checks necessary.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and security of youth in care.
• Document youth behavior and incidents.
• Supervise daily activities and assist in treatment plans.
• Conduct body searches and mediate disagreements among youth.
• Transport youth to various locations.

Skills

Operate motor vehicle safely

Supervise youth with behavioral problems

Effective communication

Follow instructions

Restrain youth in emergencies

Positive relationship building

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Basic Function and Responsibility

To ensure the safety and security of youth; assist in the execution of established youth treatment and service goals; and court orders. Supervise, assist and monitor activities of youth; document behavior, actions, incidents and other information. Execute individual components of treatment and service plans; review and execute court orders. Travel to youth residence and other locations; transport youth; monitor visits; conduct room checks; attend meetings and training; and perform related duties.

Appointing Authority and Supervision Received

The deputy court administrator of family court is the appointing authority. The youth worker receives direct supervision by the facility supervisor, program manager, unit manager or director, depending upon facility or service area assigned.

Characteristic and Assigned Duties

• Directly supervise and monitor daily activities of youth, which may include school, recreation, meals, personal hygiene, sleep, work projects, and suicide watch.
• Document youth behavior, activities, rule infractions, incidents and other occurrences in a narrative or report form.
• Ensure residential facility surroundings are safe and secure for both residents and staff and take appropriate action to correct deficiencies.
• Help youth respond constructively to treatment and assistance in development of personal and social adjustment skills including anger control, positive peer and family interaction, personal hygiene, grooming and discipline.
• Provide written and oral input regarding youth progress, behavior, rule infractions and skills.
• Serve on teams, committees and special projects as assigned, cross‑train for other jobs and perform related duties.
• Provide guidance and assistance to youth in daily activities to develop and improve coping and competency skills and modify attitude and behavior patterns.
• Work with community resources to identify and implement youth work programs and projects involving participation.
• Conduct body searches of youth, hand‑out medication and mediate disagreements between youth.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of individual treatment plans, transport youth and make home, school and other field visits.
• Attend work‑related meetings and training; may install and detach electronic surveillance equipment at youth’s residence and monitor activities through surveillance equipment or phone calls.
• Conduct residential facility room checks and monitor behavior of youth to prevent disturbances or escapes, and search facility and grounds for missing youth.
• Perform other duties as required, including mandatory overtime.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Operate motor vehicle including court vans safely and prudently.
• Supervise, motivate, and discipline youth with behavioral problems; remain calm and in control in emergency or stressful situations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and prepare clear, complete and logical reports.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Restrain youth in a physical confrontation as needed.
• Work and relate positively toward individuals from diverse backgrounds and maintain effective working relationships.
• Project a positive role model and install/detach surveillance equipment using a variety of small hand tools.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent plus one year of work experience, not necessarily related.
• Age 25 or older.
• Valid driver’s license from state of residence and proof of state‑mandated auto liability insurance and a properly licensed and reliable vehicle.
• Successful completion of a physical examination / physical abilities performance test.
• Background screenings as part of the hiring process, including education verification, child abuse and neglect clearances, drug screenings and physical assessments as applicable.

Necessary Special Requirement

Due to the Court’s obligation to provide supervision for youth within its facilities seven days a week, twenty‑four hours a day, 365 days a year, and to assure an appropriate staff‑to‑youth ratio, youth worker positions are considered shift work. Work days, hours, location assignments and shifts may change and are not guaranteed. Employees may be reassigned or positions may be eliminated or opened as organizational needs dictate.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER