Residential Care Specialist (Overnight Shift)

Job Title:                    Residential Care Specialist

Classification:           Full-time, Non-exempt

Shift:                           11:00pm - 7:00am (Flexible 8 hr. shifts, Mon-Sun)

Reports to:                House Manager

Location:                   LaPorte, TX

Position Description:

The Residential Care Specialist will be the front-line worker responsible for day-to-day operations of the milieu. The Residential Care Specialist is also responsible for the safety and well-being of the children and youth assigned to their care, as well as the coordination and implementation of the interventions and activities designed to promote growth and a stable environment as they move through the program toward independent living.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Implement the treatment/program model as designed for children and youth in care in a consistent and structured manner. Provide logical and rational interventions to ensure their safety and wellbeing and serve as charge person in the absence of the House Manager or as assigned.
2. Assist in the planning and implementation of activities and actively participate in those activities with the children and youth as directed.
3. Provide education and adequate supplies for proper hygiene habits and social skills.
4. Assist in developing therapeutic relationships with children and youth in care, promoting personal growth and independence through positive role modeling and the use of approved therapeutic interventions.
5. Stay informed of the needs of children and youth in care to be able to provide consistency in programming; participate in the exchange of information at each shift change.
6. Attend and actively participate in all team and other staff meetings as directed.
7. Ensure the completion of all assigned electronic health records documentation, including daily progress notes, shift logs, Incident Reports, Restraint Forms, and other communications prior to the end of each shift. Verify that all documentation is accurate, grammatically correct, legible and compliant with agency policies and standards.
8. Ensure compliance with residential and agency policies and procedure as well as TDFPS Minimum Standards.
9. Assist with admission and discharge of children and youth as needed.
10. Attend all DePelchin youth staffing to discuss treatment planning.
11. Assists in developing and maintaining staff schedules to ensure adequate staff-to-child ratios are met in accordance with agency policies and licensing standards.
12. Assist with transportation for youth in care when necessary.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Relevant experience working with children and/or youth.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR (May be obtained upon hire)
• Must participate in behavior management and physical restraint training once hired.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in human or social service-related field.
• Two (2) years’ experience working with at risk youth.
• Experience working with electronic health records.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient with basic computer skills.
• Exhibit professionalism and sound ethical practices.
• Ability to implement therapeutic treatment plans consistently.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to analyze issues, make sound decisions and problem solve.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse populations and work force.
• Ability to work cooperatively with team members and other staff.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Work Conditions:

• Environment: Residential
• Range of Schedule: Overnight Shift, 11:00pm - 7:00am (Flexible 8 hr. shifts, Mon-Sun)
• Travel: Drive agency vehicle, Transport clients (Valid Texas Driver/Auto Insurance required)
• Potential exposure to blood and body fluids