Youth Worker

This position will be part of the NJ Youth Challenge Academy.
For more information on the program, please visit: New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy (njyca.org)

Job Shifts:

• 6:00 am – 2:30 pm
• 2:00 pm – 10:30 pm
• 10:00 pm – 6:30 am

Job Description: Under the direction of a Youth Worker Supervisor, or other supervisor at the NJ Youth Challenge Academy, a Youth Worker supports the redirection of teenage youth that have volunteered for enrollment in the program. Youth Workers support the daily Training Schedule, supervise and monitor the Cadet activities and are responsible for instructing Cadets on basic living skills, social skills, and military standards. In addition, this position is responsible for but not limited to:
▪ the oversight and instruction of teenage youth (cadets) in the area of personal hygiene, clothing care, housekeeping and social amenities;
▪ enforcement of NJ Youth Challenge Academy (NJYCA) policies, rules and regulations; and, submission of verbal and written reports, including a chronological narrative record of contacts with students;
▪ providing for physical needs and security of cadets in the areas of food, clothing and general health; assign specific tasks designed to provide the cadet with information and skills necessary to successfully achieve their goals;
▪ reviewing with cadets their progress and other goals and adjust specific objectives and task assignments as needed; provide small group service to cadets; consult with other team members and others to make recommendations to NJYCA management regarding cadet issues; and confront, discipline and counsel students as needed.;
▪ overseeing cadets to assure experiential/recreation programs, service to community programs and off site work projects in communities and at military/NJNG facilities are completed in accordance with NJYCA policies and procedures;
▪ providing counseling and guidance, present a positive image, and act as a role model for cadets at all times.

Other:

▪ A flex work schedule that includes days, evenings, weekends and holiday hours may be necessary.
▪ Knowledge of military structure and procedures preferred.
▪ Knowledge of methods of instruction, counseling and training cadets in a military, educational, and correctional setting preferred.
Knowledge of methods of relating, reflecting, understanding, and accepting teenage youth and being able to gain their confidence and cooperation is preferred.

Education: One (1) year of experience in the direct care and/or training of children with social, emotional, psychological and/or behavioral problems in a residential or community centered program.
NOTE: Thirty (30) semester credit hours from an accredited college, which shall have included at least twelve (12) semester credit hours in the behavioral sciences may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

NOTE: Applicants who possess the twelve (12) specific credits in the behavioral sciences may substitute additional experience for the remaining education.

License: Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in the State of New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

NOTE: Appointee will be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated only if it is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Residency: Pursuant to the “New Jersey First Act” N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), newly hired public employees are required to reside in the State of New Jersey, unless exempted under the law. If you do not reside in New Jersey, you have one (1) year after you begin employment to relocate your residence to New Jersey.

Authorization to Work: Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.

Note: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenships to the United States.

Veterans’ Preference: To qualify for New Jersey Veteran’s Preference/status, you must establish Veteran’s Preference through the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran’s Preference along with your resume as indicated below. For more information, please visit https://nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service/preference.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38,569.63 - $43,680.94 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Night shift
• Overnight shift

Work Location: In person