Youth Care Specialist

Children's Home Society of Florida

Since opening our doors in 1902, CHS became a part of Florida's history. 

CHS has been committed to growing and evolving to provide the right services and solutions to address the needs of children and families throughout the changing times.  Every day, our team works with parents and kids to empower them and encourage them. With innovative technology solutions and a dedicated, experienced team throughout the state, we’re changing the face of foster care and positively impacting children and families’ lives for generations to come.

Join our team to continue to do good and create history serving Florida's children and families!

The Youth Care Specialist is accountable for the high quality care and supervision of children and adolescents residing in a CHS residential facility. This involves providing client safety and security, supporting individual growth and development, maintaining complete and accurate service documentation and serving as an effective role model. Overall, the Youth Care Specialist contributes to the CHS high performance culture by exhibiting our values and providing quality results that position CHS as the leader in delivering proactive behavioral health, case management, community and early childhood solutions for children and families.

WHY JOIN CHS?

• Uplifting mission-driven work culture
• Make an impact in your community and become a part of Florida's history!
• Growth and professional development opportunities
• Great benefits package, including generous paid time off and holidays

Primary Job Functions

1.  Provide high quality care and supervision of children and adolescents in CHS residential care, focusing on their safety and security while supporting individual growth and development in all facets of daily life, including their physical, mental, emotional and social well-being.

Residential Facility Operation

• Develop and execute household management operations, including maintaining the order, safety and cleanliness of the residential facility and grounds (e.g., domestic cleaning, laundry, yard maintenance, etc.).
• Prepare and serve meals using provided menus.
• Supervise residents in assisting with chores and maintaining their personal hygiene and belongings.
• Dispense medication as instructed.
• Coordinate and execute in designated timeframes, resident services, such school enrollment, medical care and other service referrals, such as parenting and counseling.
• Provide resident transportation to school, medical appointments and other activities.
• Operate and maintain company vehicle in clean condition and good repair.
• Provide first aid treatment when needed.
• Conduct and document required emergency and episodic drills (e.g., including fire, hurricane, medical emergency, etc.).
• Serve as a Mandated Reporter; report suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities, as required by law.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident personal and medical information.
• Maintain complete and accurate daily records; document all reportable incidents in the CHS Incident Reporting System.
• Complete all forms and other paperwork to comply with funding and licensing requirements.
• Maintain coverage during designated shift; continue to provide shift coverage until next assigned team member arrives.

Child/Adolescent Growth & Development

• Provide appropriate direction to residents in their daily routine, conducting oneself as a role model.
• Provide daily living and social skills training and development.
• Engage in and supervise age-appropriate play activities.
• Facilitate positive relationships between residents and their families.
• Teach life and independent living skills using individually designed service plans.
• Provide positive reinforcement; implement trauma-informed behavior modification techniques as instructed.

2.  Contribute to a positive, engaging work environment.

• Develop a strong knowledge base and stay current on job-related issues and trends.
• Participate actively in departmental meetings, training and education, as well as the quality process.
• Comply with CHS’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and other obligations.
• Assist with training other team members and providing back up when necessary.
• Pick up projects on the fly; perform other duties as assigned from time to time.
• Demonstrate the CHS Common Bond values in the performance of all job duties.

Job Qualifications

Education, Licenses & Certifications:

• Minimum 21 years of age with high school diploma or GED equivalent, required.
• Florida Driver’s License within 30 days from hire, required.
• Ability to speak a language other English (such as Spanish or Creole), preferred.
• Certification in CPR (infant and child) and First Aid, preferred.
• BA/BS in Child Development or related field, preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of six months of child-related work/volunteer experience, preferred.

Competencies

• Speak, read and write English at the high school level.
• Use various computer systems, word processing and spreadsheet applications; operate standard office equipment.
• Maintain professional boundaries and handle confidential information appropriately.
• Work well under pressure, handling highly stressful, sensitive and emergency/life threatening situations in a calm, professional manner.
• Provide high levels of client/customer service with positive service delivery results.
• Follow directions, solve routine problems using sound judgement and under general supervision.
• Exhibit strong attention to detail, with ability to coordinate, organize and handle multiple tasks at once.
• Communicate clearly, concisely and accurately, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate cultural competence, working well with diverse people.
• Develop interpersonal, trusting relationships; collaborate and act as part of a team.
• Carry out assigned duties to provide CHS with capability to operate its business during a declared disaster/emergency.
• Demonstrate the behaviors of the CHS Common Bond Values (Caring, Integrity, Respect, Commitment, Leadership, Excellence.)
• Be energetic, compassionate and adaptable with a deep commitment to child welfare and social service.

All applicants are subject to background screening through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). For more information, visit https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Together, good can be done.