Job Summary

Join our dedicated Youth Shelter Program as a Youth Care Worker, where your energy and compassion will make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth facing challenging circumstances. This full-time and part-time weekend position offers an exciting opportunity to provide safe, supportive, and empowering care to young individuals in need. You will serve as a positive role model, assist with daily activities, and help foster a nurturing environment that promotes growth, stability, and hope. If you’re passionate about working with youth and committed to making a lasting impact, this role is perfect for you!

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to youth in the shelter on ALL SHIFTS, never leaving them alone, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times
• Supervise youth at all times with eyes on the youth in person. NO SUPERVISION ON CAMERAS.
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, meal preparation, and recreational activities
• Monitor residents’ behavior and implement behavior management strategies to promote positive interactions
• Maintain close communication other staff members while working shift
• Support youth with their individual care plans, including medication administration and health monitoring such as vital signs
• Maintain accurate documentation of care provided using electronic medical record (EMR) systems and update case management files regularly
• Facilitate conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to create a calm and respectful environment
• Assist with light cleaning duties to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming space for all residents

Required Qualifications:

A minimum of two (2) years of experience with young people of a similar age to the youth population (generally ages 14-17). Minimum of a high school diploma or GED/HSED required. Youth Care Worker will meet all the WCS and funder/licensing requirements including reference, criminal and caregiver background checks, valid driver's license, and acceptable driver’s record checks.

Skills

• Experience in assisted living, nursing home care, or home care environments is highly valued
• Knowledge of working with individuals with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder
• Strong understanding of medical terminology, HIPAA regulations, and basic patient care procedures including vital signs and medication administration
• Ability to handle heavy lifting safely using equipment such as Hoyer lifts when necessary
• Excellent communication skills for effective conflict management and social work support
• Valid first aid certification and CPR training are required; additional certifications in hospice or memory care are advantageous
• Reliable driving skills for transportation needs; familiarity with EMR systems preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Duties require possible activity while monitoring or interacting with youth in the program. Staff may be required to use physical intervention in situations if there is immediate physical harm posed to youth or staff. Ability to lift 30 pounds. Driving may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• State-Licensed Shelter Care Facility

• Most of the work is done throughout the building, in the community and in some cases, the home of a youth.

• Local travel as required fulfilling essential functions of the position.

• Ability to provide coverage as needed.

• Ability to manage young youth who have experienced a great deal of trauma and express trauma through behaviors.
• DRIVING REQUIRED

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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