YOUTH WORKER

Definition

Under the direction of a Youth Worker Supervisor, or other supervisor in a Children's Residential Treatment Center, Detention Facility or Group Home, assists in the planning and implementation of therapeutic programs relating to the everyday living activities of problem children to provide for the emotional, social and educational advancement of the individual child, and to ensure the safety and welfare of the residents; does other related work.

Examples of work

• Utilizes appropriate individual counseling techniques; assists residents to identify and resolve areas of social, psychological, emotional and/or behavioral dysfunction.
• Provides firm, consistent and appropriate responses to behaviors manifested by residents during daily living activities.
• Utilizes appropriate crisis intervention and behavioral management techniques, which may include the physical restraint and confinement of residents in response to episodes of extreme acting-out behavior.
• Attends treatment planning conferences; assists in the diagnosis of resident dysfunction and in the development of treatment plans designed to remediate those dysfunctions.
• Plans, organizes, and carries out programs of leisure time activities, on both an individual and group basis, as indicated by the therapeutic needs of each resident.
• Attends training meetings on subjects designed to improve skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed for maximum performance.
• Assists in the management of resident group meetings to achieve prescribed objectives regarding interpersonal interaction, education, and personal adjustment.
• Teaches proper methods of personal care, grooming, and basic household activities to ensure suitable standards are followed for order, cleanliness, safety and care of furnishings and equipment.
• Reviews, interprets, and applies the rules, regulations, and procedures of the center.
• Provides emergency first-aid, and arranges for immediate follow- up care in the absence of trained medical personnel.
• Maintains a system of records and files, which includes entries in a daily log that reflects individuals' needs, problems, and progress; prepares clear and concise reports on critical incidents.
• Maintains records necessary to a behavior management program in a clear, complete, and objective manner.
• Cooperates and communicates effectively with representatives of other departments; assists with interdepartmental planning and implementation of programs.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in the direct care and/or training of children with social, emotional, psychological and/or behavioral problems in a residential or community centered program.

License

Appointee 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

• Knowledge of the basic theories and practices of human behavior and problems associated with group living facilities.
• Knowledge of basic first-aid and emergency medical care.
• Knowledge of the therapeutic applications of popular games, sports, and other leisure activities.
• Ability to interpret and apply information regarding new approaches and methods of dealing with children's problems.
• Ability to keep current of new ideas, attitudes and skills relevant to working with problem children.
• Ability to appropriately handle emergency or potentially dangerous situation.
• Ability to understand various concepts of learning and behavior modification and their application to the client population served.
• Ability to participate in recreational activities.
• Ability to prepare records and reports.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• 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, or 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 the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. 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.

Thirty (30) semester credit hours from an accredited college, which shall have included at least twelve (12) semester credit hours in the behavioral sciences may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Applicants who possess the twelve (12) specific credits in the behavioral sciences may substitute additional experience for the remaining education.

Appointee will be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated only if it is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority.