Youth Care Worker – Emergency Shelter (Full Time, Days)

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking to hire Youth Care Worker who are responsible for providing care and services to youth ranging in age from 16 to 20, living in a 24-hour licensed residential facility. Youth Care Workers supervise clients by overseeing their care and safety through the core values and mission of the organization and maintains the safety and compliance of the residential facility. Youth Care Worker services include ensuring safety, mentoring, supervising, transporting, overseeing participation in daily activities, and meeting basic needs of youth in a way that positively supports their development, self-sufficiency and goals. This position is at our EMERGENCY SHELTER.

LifeWorks Emergency Shelter team provides housing, case management and educational support for up to 20 teenagers (ages 14-17) and older foster youth in emergency need of a safe place to stay. Strength-based services are provided on-site 24/7. Youth stay weeks or months, depending on need, and are provided comprehensive case management services, with an emphasis on moving them towards stability. The Emergency Shelter works closely with other programs within LifeWorks and the community to provide youth the tools they need to reach self-sufficiency.

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate of $22/hr and benefits, including, 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 15 paid holidays per year; a free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more! Additional night and weekend shift differentials if applicable. The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Client Safety and Service Engagement

• Interacts consistently with clients using LifeWorks client-focused and strengths-based approaches; supports day-to-day activities of youth and relates to clients as they move toward their individual goals.
• Assists clients with day-to-day needs including assistance with case management, school activities, job search activities, transportation, cleaning activities, meal preparation, and administration of daily medications.
• Coordinates and helps with transportation for clients to a variety of outings including staff-led community-based activities, client appointments, job interviews, emergency room visits, etc.
• Engages in conversations with youth regarding topics such as race, identity proclamation and exploration, substance use, mental health, healthy boundaries and habits, and self-sufficiency while maintaining professional boundaries and client confidentiality in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Supports youth with positive coping methods while encouraging healing from trauma through a healing centered approach.
• Manages emotions and performs in high pressure and/or crisis situations with calm, care, and unconditional positive regard for youth.
• Manages emotional, physical, and verbally escalated situations by applying approved behavior modification technique to de-escalate youth back to normalcy, as well as physical restraints utilizing “Handle with Care” techniques when necessary.
• Follows DFPS Minimum Standards for documentation of incidents and implementation of safety plans in coordination with team members and case managers.
• Coordinates and completes Intake and discharge of client services, including consent for services and risk assessment for supervision guidelines.
• Completes Initial Orientation, including explanation of services, client rights and responsibilities, policies and guidelines.
• Follows health and safety guidelines per DFPS minimum standards and LifeWorks safety planning.

Facility Compliance

• Completes regular perimeter walks, room checks, facility/room searches, and ongoing visual checks of facility.
• Documents and maintains daily written records of client whereabouts and incidents and communicates information with team members while maintaining client confidentiality in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Documents and maintains written records of client behavior, client progress, activity engagement, school attendance, medications and incidents through daily notes, logs and incident reports while maintaining client confidentiality in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Communicates effectively with team members and client support team while maintaining client confidentiality in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Conducts drills in accordance with Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning.
• Maintains cleanliness within licensing standards including cleaning in common areas, offices and kitchen.
• Engages in and completes all required trainings, meetings and professional development plans, including monthly supervision with supervisor.

 QUALIFICATIONS 

• Requires a high school diploma, GED or equivalent; and
• Requires 1 year of related experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Requires a valid Texas driver’s license.

ABOUT LIFEWORKS

 With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, we are a fearless advocate for youth and families seeking their path to self-sufficiency. LifeWorks goal is to be able to provide clients with the resources they need a place to call home, the chance to heal, and the opportunity to learn and to work. We have one of the most comprehensive continuums of housing and support options for vulnerable youth in the country. We are committed to innovative problem solving, shared accountability and a relentless focus on achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve. A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow and develop your professional skills while making an immediate difference in the lives of youth and families in our community.