Positive Youth Development Specialist

Position Purpose

Under general direction of the Supervisor; the Youth Care Specialist performs work involving the care and custody of juveniles, assuring a safe, secure environment, providing positive influence, and preparing and maintaining related logs and reports. They also focus on  the individualized needs of youth and caregivers currently served within the Youth & Family Services Division.

The Positive Youth Development Specialist will work alongside Outagamie County DHHS staff to offer community based one-on-one and group services; focusing largely on the areas of community service, employment readiness, competency development, and caregiver support. Additionally, this position provides support to various programs within the Division of Youth and Family Services, which includes but is not limited to: Shelter Care and Electronic Monitoring.

 Hours: The Positive Youth Development Specialist role requires scheduling flexibility in order to meet the needs of the consumers served within the program. Therefore, the core hours of this position will be Monday through Friday, 8-4:30P; however applicants will be expected to flex their schedule to accommodate up to two Saturday morning shifts per month.

What does success look like in this role? Success in the first year of this Positive Youth Development Specialist role will be achieved by building authentic relationships with consumers, teammates, and community partners; along with utilizing a strengths-based approach and actively engaging youth and families in meaningful and supportive service provision.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are most critical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

·        Supervises and directs educational, recreational, intellectual, competency development, and pro-social activities for youth.

·        Provides support and education to parents/caregivers.

·        Monitors and interacts with youth  in an individual or group setting and appropriately engages with residents who may be experiencing mental/emotional distress or are physically ill.

·        Maintains accurate and complete records of juvenile count, personal property, money, incidents, activities, etc.

·        Cooperates and maintains clear communication with law enforcement, social service agencies, social workers, juvenile intake, schools and resident's significant others.

·        Maintains discipline and adheres to the rules and regulations pertaining to the policies and procedures of the Division.

·        Provides transportation for youth residents to school, work, appointments, and recreational activities.

·        Remains educated on and maintains compliance with the rules and regulations governing the Shelter Care facility including DCF59 Administrative Code requirements and Department Policies.

·        Completes custody procedures when a youth is placed into the facility; documents appropriate information, and maintains required documentation in resident files.

·        Receives incoming perishable and non-perishable items; dates and stores items in appropriate areas and takes inventory of food and other supplies and reports to the facility Supervisor.

Education/Certifications/Experience Requirements

·        A minimum of one year previous work and/or educational experience preferred that has provided the skills and knowledge necessary to provide proper care to youth who are experiencing mental, emotional, behavioral, or physical difficulties or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

·        Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

·        Successful completion of pre-employment testing which includes but not limited to a physical exam, TB test and Vision test.

Required or Preferred Skills

·        Knowledge of policies and procedures of receiving, releasing, and maintaining custody of youth residents.

·        Knowledge of adolescent behavior, brain development, inter-personal relations, and social/peer interaction.

·        Understand the operation and purpose of the Shelter Care facility and to remain educated on other community service providers.

·        Ability to maintain composure and exercise good judgment in a variety of environments including normal working conditions and high stress situations.

·        Ability to serve as a positive role model for youth residents and provide positive direction and supervision.

·        Ability to communicate effectively with residents, parents, social workers, public defenders, juvenile intake workers, school personnel, mental health professional, law enforcement, maintenance workers, and other providers both verbally and in writing.

·        Maintain accurate and complete records, and prepare clear and comprehensive reports.

·        Must operate a variety of office equipment including personal computer, computer terminal, calculator, telephone, fax, Electronic Monitoring and security equipment.

·        Ability to operate a variety of household appliances including dishwasher, microwave, clothes washer and dryer, vacuum cleaner, etc.

·        Recognize and respond to residents' health needs.

·        Ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 30 pounds.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.