Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. An Associates Degree from an accredited college or university, or a high school graduate will be considered based on relative experience of the individual.
High school: 3 years of related experience; AA: 1 year related experience; BA: related educational focus & experience.
Must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with clients, families, staff and community contacts with a diversity of the inter-disciplinary team approach is preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication, problem-solving and organizational skills are required. Must have a valid drivers license and minimum insurability requirements during employment. Some working knowledge of computers required.
Work is typically performed in a residential setting. Able to satisfactorily complete all requirements of the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation/First Aid/Automated External Defibrillator.
JOB PURPOSE:
Be an appropriate role model for children in care. Create and maintain an atmosphere which is beneficial to the physical and emotional health of the youngsters. Be responsible for guiding and directing the children in care, participating in the assessment of the progress and problem of each youngster. Prepare youngsters for successful living within societal norms toward reunification with family or independent living. Promote family engagement in treatment and maximize parental decision making while minimizing prescription.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1. Teamwork: Ensure the standards of a high performing team member are role modeled on a daily basis. Attend all required trainings, staff meetings, and supervision. Participate in additional meetings as assigned. Work collaboratively with staff within the interdisciplinary team as well as colleagues in other departments to assure the development and implementation of treatment plans to meet the individual needs of the children in care and their families.
2. Reports: Complete required reports and documentation in a timely manner meeting all standards of content and professional presentation.
3. Therapeutic Relationship: Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with the children and their families that are responsive to their needs and are in accordance with the established treatment plan. Promote the growth of parent-children relationship as indicated by that plan.
4. Health & Safety: Provide for the safety and well being of the children in care through the judicious use of discipline, therapeutic crisis intervention, knowledge and supervision of their whereabouts. Assure health and safety of children in care by the timely identification and effective communication of all behavioral, emotional or medical needs. Confer regularly with the cottage coordinator and residential social workers as needed on each child's and family's individual and group progress. Dispense medication without error to children as ordered by the medical department.
5. Growth & Development: Provide for the growth and development of each child in care through instructing, counseling and directing them in matters of personal conduct, hygiene, appearance, social skills, school, routines and work habits. Foster the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of each child.
6. Security: Be responsible for the security of the cottage and cottage office area. This includes cottage safe and file, cottage funds and any confidential material in the cottage. Assure confidentiality of each child's case through only necessary discussion at appropriate time and place.
7. Transportation: Provide safe and responsible transports for youth, families, and other Children's Home affiliates as required by program expectations.
8. Recreation: Provide for the recreational needs and leisure time activities of children in care by planning, supervising and participating in activities both within and away from the cottage setting. Confer with recreation department as needed. Foster the social, vocational and cultural needs and interests of each child in such planning.
**Perform any and all miscellaneous job duties as may be required from time to time.
