Youth Development Specialist Flexible Schedule

JOB SUMMARY

Job Title: Youth Development Specialist

Department: Campus Programs

Reports To: Campus Programs Supervisor

Beginning Pay Range: $21.00 an hour

Classification: Part Time Hourly- Non-Exempt

*This position is for part time 2-3 days per week ranging from 16-29 hours. This position may include different shifts (1st, 2nd or 3rd) and different campus houses. *

DABSJ Information

1. MISSION STATEMENT: To help children and empower families by providing safety, advocacy, and support.

1. VISION: A safe, nurturing home for every child, a supportive community for every family.

1. VALUES:

• Exceptional Service: Client-focused and teaming at the center of our work.
• Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion: All are welcomed, valued, and belong.
• Excellence: Ongoing commitment to learning and improvement.
• Integrity: Responsibility and ownership of our actions and results.
• Creativity: Imagination, innovation, and intelligent risk taking.
• Passion: Relentless positive energy toward our mission and vision.

1. SANCTUARY COMMITMENTS:

• Nonviolence: Maintaining safety for all members of the community.
• Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions so we don't hurt ourselves or others.
• Social Learning: Together we accomplish more, we care for one another.
• Democracy: Everyone has a voice, not necessarily a vote.
• Open Communication: Respecting and sharing ideas of our team.
• Social Responsibility: Say what you mean, don't be mean when you say it.
• Growth & Change: Creating hope for ourselves and the people we serve.

The scope of this development responsibility is quite broad. At times, the CPYDS takes on a parental role, addressing the basic needs of the youth. This includes but is not limited to ensuring that each child is healthy and safe, adequately clothed and fed and that their living space is clean and orderly.

In addition to these responsibilities, the CPYDS is expected to offer praise and encouragement to the youth. They must also respond appropriately and therapeutically to challenging behaviors that may arise. The CPYDS typically achieves these objectives through verbal de-escalation techniques, positive reinforcement, guidance, and supportive direction.

At times, the CPYDS takes on the role of a mentor, guiding youth in areas such as social skills, coping skills, hygiene, basic values, spirituality, and education. The CPYDS acts as a trusted and patient adult, engaging in discussions about a young person's personal life, emotions, and perspectives on the world.

The Agency places a strong emphasis on building relationships between staff and youth. We believe that all effective support efforts start with warm, caring, and meaningful connections. It is the responsibility of the CPYDS to develop these therapeutic relationships with youth, using the rapport established to foster and encourage personal growth.

The CPYDS are expected to work effectively and harmoniously as part of one or more teams within the agency. Specific work responsibilities and schedules may vary based on team assignments and the programs they are involved in. The CPYDS position will require working various shifts across the homes and programs on our campus based on need. A schedule will be provided each month.

1. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
   
   

• Developing and maintaining nurturing and sound relationships with all youth, including maintenance of clear roles and boundaries
• Ensuring the supervision, health, and safety of youth
• Promoting a safe, therapeutic environment
• Learning and consistently abiding to all Agency, group, and individual treatment programs.
• Effectively following and implementing Collaborative Problem Solving.
• Fully participating in a treatment team(s), learning from others, and allowing others to learn from you.
• Providing positive, mature, adult role modeling for youth at all times.
• Providing effective written records and communications as required by the program.
• Partnering with youth to promote the security, safety, and cleanliness of the campus.
• Attending and completing all required Agency training sessions.
• Planning, organizing, and effectively conducting therapeutic activities and recreational programs for youth.
• Dispensing medications according to established schedules and procedures.
• Assisting designated team lead in any necessary meal preparation and cooking within the homes
• Conduct yourself in a manner that positively reflects upon the Agency in the community both on and off duty.
• Abiding by all policies and practices of the Agency.
• Completing other reasonable assignments, which may be made by a supervisor.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, and the ability to adapt to various shifts.

Supervision Received: Specific Direction - Follows established work procedures. Receives periodic checks for performance. Refers unique questions/conditions to immediate supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervisory responsibilities.

1. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
   
   

• High School Diploma or GED required by the state licensing authority. Agency prefers completed college courses in a field related to the helping profession
• Valid driver's license and good driving record
• A year of experience working with and/or volunteering with children
• Experience working with adolescents who have emotional and behavioral challenges is strongly preferred.
• Good written communication skills.
• Ability to work with a variety of people both within and outside the Agency
• Promote a positive image for the Agency in the community and in relationship with other Agencies and their personnel.
• Become familiar with and follow the code of ethics for your profession and agree to abide by the related Agency standards.
• Possess an understanding and sensitivity to the adolescent's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics with personal qualities of warmth with the ability to establish meaningful relationships with people from various cultures.
• Positive acceptance of supervision to learn and be trained in job-related functions.
• Personal qualities of organizational skills, assertiveness, good judgment, conscientiousness, attention to detail and timeliness.
• Good health and physical condition. Free of communicable diseases.
• A personal commitment to the Agency's mission, philosophy, and values.
• High frustration tolerance level

1. CORE COMPETENCIES
   
   

• Communication: Ability to effectively receive and express ideas, both written and verbal; using clear and concise vocabulary and active listening skills. Ability to communicate with small and large groups and ability to communicate with all.