VQ is a national comprehensive child, youth and family services organization committed to providing successful and effective services while adhering to the highest professional standards.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Youth Care Worker (YCW) is responsible for providing direct care supervision for children residing in VisionQuest homes. YCWs are responsible for fostering a safe environment that facilitates learning and behavioral management in a supportive manner and in accordance with VisionQuest, local, state and federal policies and procedures. YCW works closely with Case Management, Clinical Department, Program Directors, Assistant Program Directors and other related departments within the Program. The YCW is required to maintain a flexible, organized and efficient work schedule and is subject to extended work hours, weekends and holidays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Upon youth arrival, must ensure that a property inventory and conduct intake services to include but not limited to: completing necessary paperwork, providing youth with an overview of the program services, home and school facilities.

• Provide basic needs to youth upon arrival and during the entire youth's duration in the program (to include but not limited to: meals, clothing, hygiene products, shower and bedroom assignment).

• Must provide Direct Care Services to youth to ensure that ratios and appropriate supervision levels are continuously met as per state and federal requirements. Must maintain line-of-sight at all times.

• Develop positive rapport with youth while serving as a role model to create a safe and caring environment.

• Must ensure all needed forms and client services are properly completed and documented according to VisionQuest, local, state and federal requirements.

• Assist with the planning and coordination of special educational events, acculturation activities, holiday celebrations, recreational outings, school drop off and pickups, and other important appointments such as medical, dental and/or legal among others.

• Must assist in the evacuation of youth as needed due to inclement weather conditions, natural disasters, or other unforeseen occurrences as well as conducting fire drills and other mandated activities.

• Observe, report and document identified behavior patterns and required information that merit documentation such as: close observations, night-watch checklists, bed check logs, outing logs, incident reports (IR's), daily shift transfers, among others.

• Responsible for the distribution and documentation of medications to youth as prescribed by the Medical Provider.

• Maintain a safe, clean and hazard-free facility/home. Tasks include regular maintenance and general cleaning of common areas including restrooms and kitchen (including refrigerator, stove and any other areas as needed), rotation of laundry (linen, towels and clothes) duty, and general maintenance of outdoor areas (to include but not limited to: backyard, playground, and parking lot) as well as company vehicles.

• Assist Case Managers with physical and web-based client files.

• IRs and Significant Incident Reports (SIRs) must be reported to the right parties in accordance with VisionQuest internal policies and requirements as well as local, state and federal requirements.

• Drive children to facilitate program services, may include transportation to court appointments, attorney visits, medical providers and other appointments as per contractual requirements as needed. May also include transporting youth within the United States if reunified.

• Attend all organizational required training and attend all departmental and program meetings to ensure that up-to-date information is received and/or information of policy changes or practice are adhered to.

• Travel as needed for training, conferences or to transport youth to destinations located within the U.S.

• Maintain a safe, clean and hazard-free work area.

• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent degree and a minimum of 1 year employment experience in the child welfare field working with children and/or adolescents in a social service setting.

• Must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and email.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain First Aid Certification (CPR) and fingerprint clearance

• Must possess a valid state driver's license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required by contractual agreement.

• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire

• Must pass a drug test and physical and must clear Tuberculosis test

• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds infrequently.

• Performs tasks that may involve standing, walking or driving

• May bend, stoop, reach and grasp as necessary.

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