Youth Support Specialist - Shelter Full time - Overnight

Job Description

Job Summary:

As a Youth Shelter Worker, you will be on the front lines providing care for children and adolescents who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences. This role is demanding and requires compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to the well-being of some of the most vulnerable youth in our community. You will be responsible for providing daily care, support, and guidance to residents in a safe and nurturing environment, while also managing challenging behaviors that may arise from the trauma these children have experienced.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct Care: Provide daily supervision, care, and support to youth residents, ensuring their physical and emotional needs are met in a structured, safe, and supportive environment.
• Behavior Management: Respond to and manage challenging behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, defiance, and emotional outbursts, using trauma-informed approaches and de-escalation techniques.
• Crisis Intervention: Act swiftly and calmly in crisis situations, providing immediate intervention and support to de-escalate conflicts and ensure the safety of all residents.
• Individualized Support: Develop and implement individualized care plans for residents, working closely with case managers, therapists, and other staff to address each child’s unique needs.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of daily activities, incidents, and progress for each resident, adhering to all legal and organizational guidelines.
• Life Skills Training: Assist residents in developing essential life skills, such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, and social interaction, to prepare them for future independence.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other shelter staff, case managers, therapists, and external agencies to provide comprehensive care and support to residents.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. A degree in social work, psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: 1+ years experience working with at-risk youth, particularly those who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, is highly preferred.
• Skills: Strong communication, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention skills. Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle emotionally charged situations with empathy and professionalism.
• Training: Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices and de-escalation techniques is required. Certification in CPR and First Aid is a plus.
• Other Requirements: Must pass a background check and have a valid driver’s license.

Challenges of the Role:

• Emotional Resilience: The work is emotionally demanding, as you will be caring for youth who have experienced severe trauma, including physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and abandonment. This can manifest in challenging behaviors such as anger, distrust, withdrawal, and aggression.
• Behavioral Challenges: Youth in the shelter may exhibit a range of challenging behaviors, including verbal and physical aggression, running away, self-harm, and defiance. Managing these behaviors requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of trauma and its effects.
• Crisis Situations: You will regularly encounter crisis situations that require quick thinking and effective intervention to ensure the safety of all residents. This can include breaking up fights, calming a distressed child, or dealing with a runaway attempt.
• High Turnover: Due to the challenging nature of the work, staff turnover can be high, which may lead to a constantly changing work environment and a need for flexibility and adaptability.

As a member of Team Children's, you will be cross-trained to meet the demands of our PMIC and Crisis Stabilization units as the need arises.

Why This Job Matters:

Despite the challenges, the role of a Youth Shelter Worker is incredibly rewarding. You have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of children who have faced unimaginable hardships. By providing stability, care, and support, you can help these youth heal from their trauma, build resilience, and move towards a brighter future.

Company Description

Children’s Square USA is a multi-program, human services agency serving youth, children and families.  We employ caring, dedicated individuals at all levels to ensure quality care for our kids and their families.  

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Cancer and Intensive Care Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• New Child Leave
• Unpaid Leave
• Family and Medical Leave
• Retirement Program
• Tax Sheltered Annuity
• Employee Assistance Program