Direct Care Worker for Youth

POSITION SUMMARY

The Child Wellness Coach provides coaching, supervision, and casework services for youth in VQ residential programs. This position functions as part of a multidisciplinary team to help youth achieve their  treatment goals. The Child Wellness Coach is responsible for fostering a safe environment that facilitates learning and behavioral management in a supportive manner in accordance with VQ, state, and federal policies/procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Presents clear, informative, accurate, and prompt written and verbal observations of youth. This includes documentation of youth participation and other relevant information. Must maintain youth records according to established policies and procedures.

• Provides supportive individualized coaching and training in daily living skills such as personal hygiene, nutrition, budgeting, and food preparation and purchase. Additionally, actively supporting the youth in achieving their treatment plan goals.

• Intervenes in crisis situations and demonstrates ability to provide individualized crisis management through appropriate verbal and/or physical de-escalation techniques.

• Observes and reports health safety functions including medication related issues, fire safety and emergency response, infection control, and any other incidents outlined in the policies and procedures that may risk the safety of youth and staff.

• Responsible for daily sanitation and cleaning of all living spaces including bathrooms, kitchens, youths’ rooms and common spaces.

• Maintains accountability of program structure and scheduled activities, including providing collaborative leadership and role-modeling.

• Completes all necessary documentation for youth during their residence in a timely manner according to policy and procedures. This may include daily progress notes, incident reports, intake and discharge documentation, logs and any other documentation required by the VQ, state, and federal policies.

• Transports youth in agency vehicles as necessary. 

• Attends and participates in all in-service training and staff meetings.

• May assist in orientation and training of new staff including, evaluation, job skills and work ethic.

• Ensures that all equipment and vehicles are being maintained in accordance with company standards.

SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

• Demonstrates working knowledge of communication skills used to foster positive growth including active listening skills.

• Possesses knowledge of contemporary influences on adolescents including social stressors and group cultures.

• Possesses basic knowledge of the behavioral attributes of mental health disorders that children and adolescents may be diagnosed.

• Possesses basic knowledge of psychotropic medications prescribed for children and adolescents.

• Demonstrates skill in the development of individualized productive relationships with youth and staff.

• Demonstrates basic writing skills including legible handwriting, correct spelling and grammar.

• Demonstrates the ability to evaluate youth and assist in the achievement of their treatment goals.

• Demonstrates the ability to provide appropriate crisis and emergency response.

• Ability to work independently or as part of a team. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

• High school diploma or general education diploma (GED).

• 1 year of childcare experience, preferred but not required.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must be 21 years of age or older.

• Flexible schedule (evening, weekends, holidays) to facilitate program services. 

• Cleared tuberculosis test results. 

• Cleared background checks from appropriate entities. 

• Obtain and maintain First Aid Certification (CPR) and Level 1 fingerprint clearance card. 

• Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required. Must provide a 5 year driving record.

VQ EXPECTATIONS:

• Company Mission - Knowledge of, and supports, the organization’s mission as primarily assessed through supervisory review/observations.

• Confidentiality - Maintains confidentiality in accordance with established policies and procedures and complies with HIPAA guidelines as primarily assessed through supervisory review/observations and incident reporting.

• Mandatory Reporting - Demonstrates knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements governing mandated child abuse/neglect reporting requirements. Reports any suspected abuse or neglect as required by law as primarily assessed through supervisory review/observations and incident reporting.

• Code of Conduct - Demonstrates respect for youth, family, guests, and colleagues in accordance with established policies and procedures. Maintains attendance record and is punctual in all aspects of the company schedules. Adheres to the dress code and maintains professionalism in all affairs. This will be primarily assessed through supervisory review/observations.

• Collaborative Teamwork - Interacts and communicates with fellow employees in a manner that promotes a harmonious and cooperative working environment as primarily assessed through supervisory review/observations.

• Problem Solving - Communicates information, including the identification and communication of problems/issues with appropriate team and management staff in a timely manner, and positively engages in effective problem-solving, as primarily assessed through supervisory review/observations.

• Boundaries - Maintains appropriate boundaries in all interactions with youth and staff in accordance to established policies and procedures as assessed through supervisory

• review/observations.

• Flexibility and Openness - Demonstrates openness to supervision and flexibility to incorporate other points of view in order to improve performance as assessed through supervisory review/observations.

• Self-Care - Demonstrates knowledge and integration of personal self-care including the development of an individualized self-care plan as assessed through supervisory review/observations.

• Cultural Diversity - Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to diversity issues and recognizes triggers, biases, beliefs, and does not allow them to interfere with care, service delivery and job performance as assessed through supervisory review/observations.

• Policies and Procedures - Knowledge of, administers and adheres to all company policies and procedures and state regulations for staff and youth as assessed through supervisory review/observations.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds infrequently.

• Performs tasks that may involve standing or walking 50% of the day; sitting 50%of the day.

• May bend, stoop, reach and grasp as necessary. 

VQ is a national comprehensive child, youth and family services organization committed to providing successful and effective services while adhering to the highest professional standards.

VQ operates around the nation, providing care services such as residential programming, community-based services, and in-home services for children and their families. We work with state and federal governments to go where the need is greatest and give back to communities that need our services the most. Regardless of the circumstances and background that a child comes from, we believe they deserve an opportunity for a good life.