Youth Services Specialist (2047)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented Youth Services Specialists who would like to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose & Impact:

Youth Services Specialists typically work with at-risk children and teenagers to provide appropriate and effective supervision of youth when placement is not available or is not yet available. In addition, the supervision should assist the youth to overcome obstacles that contribute to placement instability.

Essential Functions:

• Thoroughly review referrals for supervision which include the youth’s strengths, challenges, behavioral triggers, and personal preferences
• Ensure the safety of youth by following all proper regulations, safety recommendations and procedures each day
• Record information and document incidents as they occur to help keep track of problem behaviors or unsafe conditions
• Document all interactions with youth(s)
• Act as a resource when youth need guidance or advice about specific life situations or social issues
• Provide the youth their medication as directed
• Create a safe and caring environment for high-risk youth
• Take youth to their medical or other appointments and ensure child is fed properly during supervision
• Maintain secure and safe area(s) where the supervision is being conducted
• Maintain accurate case notes, log entries, and other necessary client records. Complete an incident report on any facility damage, medical emergency, or any incident, which occurs out of the ordinary daily operational functioning of the supervision shift.
• The YSS will be given direction, financial resources, and guidance on organizing and conducting daily/weekly outings and structured activities for youth while under supervision
• Provide transportation as needed to facilitate placement or well-being of the child such as medical, dental, social, or educational appointments
• Organize, prioritize, and complete all work assignments by the established deadlines.

All duties are performed in accordance with the following standards:

• Courtesy: Treat customers, the public and staff with courtesy, respect and dignity and presents a positive public image.
• Communication Skills: Keep supervisor fully informed of activities, pertinent issues, upcoming events and potential problems. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in daily work.
• Teamwork: Support the unit, department and/or organization and work with others in an effort to accomplish the goals of the unit, department and/or organization.
• Safety: Employee makes a reasonable effort to adhere to established safety procedures and practices in the work area.
• Training: Attend and successfully complete all mandated training courses such as the PDC Assessment and successfully passes the PDC examination, Pre-service Training. MAPP Training, In-service, etc., within the probationary period and as scheduled thereafter. The successful completion of the Field-Based Performance Assessment is an essential performance standard required for continued employment in the class of Case Manager.
• Confidentiality: Adhere to all confidentiality rules.
• On-Call: Perform on-call responsibilities as assigned. Carry an active cellphone at all times during regularly scheduled work hours. Immediately respond to all calls.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have a high level of energy, be adaptable to irregular hours, be flexible to rotate on-call as needed, be able to travel as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and appropriate auto liability insurance required.

Education/Experience:

A High School Diploma or GED required. A Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or experience working with high risk youth preferred.

Skills:

• Two years of experience working with at-risk youth preferred. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices.
• Strong personal boundaries
• Competent writing and data entry skills
• Patient and compassionate
• Flexible working hours
• Ability to drive both locally and throughout the state in connection with the duties of this position.

Other:

• Must be willing to work irregular hours/shifts ranging including evenings and weekends
• This is a temporary position through June 2022
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Teledoc (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.