YOUTH AIDE

Definition

Under direction during an assigned tour of duty, performs the duties of controlling the general conduct and behavior of juvenile residents including the discipline, and custodial, recreational, transportation, and housekeeping functions; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Transports residents and assures their safety and proper conduct.
• Supervises and/or participates in various recreational programs and activities with juvenile residents to stimulate interest in and cooperation with various social and educational programs.
• Provides advice to individual juvenile residents on personal problems they encounter such as peer pressure, adapting to the surroundings, etc.
• Keeps required records on residents' activities and behavior based on observation.
• Provides assistance in controlling aggressive or disruptive behavior, physically restraining residents if necessary.
• Makes visual checks of area to account for residents' whereabouts and safety, and monitors activities.
• Establishes appropriate relationships with residents under immediate charge to control their general conduct and behavior, and to identify problem residents so that these individuals can be closely monitored.
• Patrols various locations within the facility to check safety and health hazards such as fire, smoke, broken pipes, etc.
• Performs periodic searches of residents' clothing, possessions, and rooms to detect contraband in accord with established policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Supervises, performs, and instructs juvenile residents in housekeeping duties such as sweeping and mopping floors, making beds, and other tasks to maintain sanitary conditions in resident areas.
• Develops residents' attitudes towards personal hygiene, appearance, manners, work, and study habits.
• Writes comprehensive and factual incident reports, and/or fills out short forms such as head counts and safety reports.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Ability to learn and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, programs and activities established for the facility.
• Ability to learn and apply methods, techniques, and correct practices of security.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations and provide crisis intervention.
• Ability to effectively diffuse confrontations between residents.
• Ability to follow orders explicitly.
• Ability to establish appropriate relationships with residents.
• Ability to deal effectively with juveniles from diverse ethnic and sociological backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.