ALABAMA YOUTH HOMES, INC.
JOB DESCRIPTION
YOUTH CARE WORKER
Requirements: High School Diploma or GED, good driving record, open mind about methods of discipline, physically restrain residents when necessary.
Age: 19 or over
Hours: 40+
Shift: Variable
Description:
This job involves basic youth care in a treatment facility for males or females between the ages of 10 and 18 years. These young people generally have behavioral problems that have brought them into conflict with parents, police, teachers, and/or other persons in the community. Most of them have been placed in the Alabama Youth Home by juvenile court or their families. Common behaviors are lying, throwing tantrums, avoiding chores, disrupting school, meetings, meals, etc., destroying property, defying authority (staff), and instigating negative behaviors in other residents. A good self-image, verbal and listening skills, and patience are essential characteristics of the effective youth care worker.
The intake staff screens potential residents for patterns of violence. Those residents who pose a reasonable danger of causing substantial harm to staff or other residents are rejected. However, there is still the possibility that a resident may assault a staff member.
Generally, corporal punishment is not used at the Alabama Youth Home. Counselors are not permitted to physically control a resident except in rare situations (self-defense, defense of others, or refusal to go to time out for example).
Duties:
1. Supervising residents.
a. Keep abreast of the whereabouts of all residents.
b. Maintain order at all times.
c. Enforce rules.
d. Make sure residents are ready for scheduled activities and sessions.
e. Supervise and enforce room restrictions. Keep close check on restrictees.
2. Meeting resident's needs.
a. Residents must get 3 meals a day; youth care workers must cook several meals a week.
b. Make sure that residents take prescribed medicines at the proper times.
c. Report to the social worker or other appropriate staff member any clothing needs of residents.
3. Attending staff meetings and training sessions.
a. Youth care workers are expected to take notes at meetings and
carry out any goals established.
b. Youth care workers are required to take and pass tests on training material.
Lowest passing grade on tests is 80%.
4. Learning the principles of reality therapy and acting consistent with those principles in dealing with residents. Youth care workers should attempt to reinforce principles being taught by the therapist. The therapist, or other trained staff, will demonstrate to youth care workers the proper methodology.
5. Modeling and teaching social skills to residents as directed by therapist.
6. Completing progress reports on assigned residents as well as other necessary paperwork.
7. Attending church with residents when on duty.
8. Transporting residents.
9. Handling emergencies when they arise.
10. Doing light maintenance, and reporting problems with property or machinery.
11. Dealing with potential contributors on the phone and in person, picking up donations, attending and working at fund-raising functions if necessary.
12. Sleeping on premises overnight when required.
13. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.
No alcoholic beverages or any types of weapons are permitted on premises or in the Home's vehicles at any time. A youth care workers immediate supervisor is the Home Coordinator.
