Youth Treatment Specialist
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Youth Treatment Specialist reports directly to the Treatment Team Coordinator. This position provides direct line of sight supervision and promotes safety to a maximum of 8 youth, between the ages of 8 to 18, in one of six residential units. This position provides milieu-based treatment services, including verbal and physical intervention skills and documentation. Requires knowledge of trauma exposure and knowledge of the 5 S’s of trauma: Safety, Self-Regulation/Soothing, Supportive, Strengths, Self-Care and an understanding of and recognition of the signs of traumatic stress as a result of agency training. Must be able to effectively use both verbal and physical intervention skills with individuals eight (8) through eighteen (18) years of age. Physical Intervention Skills require the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. This position requires the flexibility to adjust hours in order to provide coverage on the unit in the absence of other employees as needed. Weekend and holiday hours included.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Communicate effectively with agency team members through reviewing unit logs and email and in-person
· Regularly attend and participate in unit team meetings
· Review and follow agency’s Personnel Policies and Procedures
· Provide constant supervision of youth behaviors and interactions at all times according to agency Procedures and State licensing standards
· Handle disruptive behaviors in a calm, professional manner utilizing skills learned in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training
· Implement interventions outlined in the youths’ individual treatment plans
· Prior knowledge of trauma-informed care and/or willingness to learn about and engage in trauma-informed practice
· Serve as an effective role model using trustworthy, supportive, and child focused techniques
· Use active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
· Requires knowledge of typical child and adolescent development and an understanding of trauma exposure and traumatic stress signs and symptoms; understand that behaviors, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
· Use strategies that support healing and recovery and that resist re-traumatization
· Encourage and prompt socially acceptable habits and behaviors (i.e. personal hygiene and grooming, table manners, etc)
· Co-facilitate psycho-educational and life skills groups
· Encourage positive relationship building with unit peers and agency team members
· Provide engaging activities for youth to participate in, encouraging relationship building and teambuilding
· Uphold requirements of a homelike environment (i.e. maintain proper stock of food, complete cleaning tasks on unit, assist with laundry as assigned, etc.)
· Transport youth in agency vehicle to school, community resources, and home visits as assigned
· Document services provided in a manner acceptable for Medicaid Part 132 billing
· Supervise youth self-administration of prescribed medications
· Demonstrate ability to move throughout the building based on agency needs
· Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment
· Work effectively with program participants, family members, colleagues, and external stakeholders in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
· Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve-month period
· Maintain required agency certifications in TCI, First Aid, and CPR and utilize all as necessary
· Other duties as assigned
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
· Use of abdominal and lower back muscles continuously over time to support others
· Ability to pass TCI certification and physically restrain youth when necessary
· Ability to stand from kneeling position without assistance
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Bachelor’s degree or five (5) years of experience working with similar population
· Knowledge of word processing and basic computer functions; intermediate to advanced level of computer skills required
· Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred
· Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strengths-based approach preferred
· Valid Illinois Driver’s license
· No history of child abuse or neglect
· Ability to pass background and drug screen
· Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing
WORKING CONDITIONS:
· Exposure to resident behavior problems that may include physical acting out and requires safe physical management skills
· Exposure to residents with complex mental health issues and/or disorders
· Exposure to youth with various states of cleanliness and hygiene
This position meets the FLSA requirements for Non-Exempt.