THE POSITION:
Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter seeks an individual to serve as Youth Care Specialist to play a key role in the day-to-day direct care and supervision of residents while embracing and upholding our mission and values.

Youth Care Specialists work 12-hour shifts 3-4 days a week.

Front Ends: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and every other Wednesday

Back Ends: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and every other Wednesday

The 12-hour shifts start at 7am, 11am, 7pm and 11pm.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Actively supervises and interacts with residents at all times while documenting and communicating with Case Managers and Team Leaders concerns and feedback in regards to each resident

• Actively participates in promoting health development, behavior management, learning and overall individual success with each resident

• Actively engages with residents in their daily activities, developing positive relationships that supports residents in meeting their goals

• Works in collaboration with Case Managers, Counseling Staff and Education to meet the overall needs of each resident

• Transports residents to/from community activities and medical appointments, as assigned

• Attends and participates in required trainings aimed at understanding and applying child and adolescent development principles

• Models and promotes positive relationship-building and interactions between residents and staff

• Adheres to all shelter policies and procedures as set forth by federal and state guidelines as well as by the direction of our Board of Directors and Executive Director

• Demonstrates and promotes diversity and cultural competency with residents and staff

• Sets, maintains and communicates appropriate personal and professional boundaries with peers, support staff, volunteers, supervisors and other professionals.

• Attends all meetings, trainings and other events as required

• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Twenty-one years of age or older

• High School diploma or equivalent required

• Physical stamina and agility required to care for active children and youth

• Physical ability to use authorized techniques for management of aggressive behaviors

• Must pass all criminal history, child maltreatment and background checks

• Must pass pre-employment drug screening

• Valid driver’s license, proof of personal automobile insurance, and acceptable driving record required to drive shelter vehicle and/or for shelter business

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with children in crisis

• Experience exercising Trust Based Relational Intervention and Conscious Discipline

• Relevant college courses or college degree (e.g., Education, Social Work, Human Services, etc)

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Basic knowledge with Microsoft Office and other database programs

• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including but not limited to: computers, telephone systems, calculators, and copiers

• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Flexibility, reliability, and self-motivation

• Ability demonstrate professionalism, interpersonal skills and strong communication

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Potential for unpredictable resident behavior

• Tasks may involve walking, standing, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching and lifting for long periods of time, both indoors and outdoors

• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds

• Cleaning as directed

• Physical exposure to communicable disease/contagions