Child Care Counselor

Purpose: The Child Care Counselor provides for the day-to-day care, nurturing, supervision, and development of the youth assigned. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Maintains accurate and orderly procedures for dispensing medications. Assists in the ongoing medical care of residents. Provides transportation to residents as needed. Assures ongoing relationship and environment that promotes the residents feeling of self-worth. Maintain integrity of the program structure and insure the therapeutic environment of the program. Helps resident meet outside expectations (appointments, school, etc.) Fills in the gaps of the basic schedule with positive learning opportunities and experiences for the resident. Is flexible enough to deal with the unexpected with minimal disruption of the schedule. Schedules recreational activities for residents. Keeps team informed of scheduled activities of primary residents through use of changeover log and team meetings Maintains open communication with supervising Program Manager. Documentation: Effectively communicate written information to the right people in such a way as to establish an accurate record of each child's placement (Daily logs, etc.) and maintain accurate records. Maintains high household management standards. Maintains adequate cottage inventories Has a systematic approach to laundry needs. Prepares cottage meals according to USDA Standards. Helps promote an appealing, clean, healthy, and safe environment that is conducive to positive change. Establishes and maintains an environment that promotes the safety of the residents as evidenced by: Being aware of residents' whereabouts and attitudes Being aware of hazards and efforts to eliminate them Reporting illnesses and injuries to medical staff Completes maintenance requests in a timely manner Operates and maintains agency vehicles in a safe manner per policy. Supervision: Maintains supervision of residents in accordance with Policy and Procedure. Participates in activities with residents Communicates relevant information regarding youth with next shift using appropriate Methodist Home tools such as logs and shift change notes. Teaching: Implement the holistic teaching approach to child development. Crisis Management: Ability to handle crises in such a manner so as not to compromise the positive, therapeutic impact of other residents and/or program. Relationship Building: Develop and maintain effective therapeutic relationships. Understands how own emotions can affect resident care and where that impact is non- productive. Treats residents and families with respect. Initiates 1 on 1 contact with residents. Gives residents positive feedback. Role models good interpersonal and problem- solving skills with co-workers. Respects resident's rights in compliance with licensing policy. Is honest, constructive, and sincere with residents. Professionalism: Promote a professional, positive work environment as indicated by: Reports to shifts, meetings and training on time. Actively participates in campus activities in a constructive manner. Follows agency procedures in use of leave time. Is flexible and willing to fill in as needed. Represents themselves and the agency in a positive way. Uses good telephone skills. Conducts self-improvement (education, professional development) Uses direct communication. Demonstrates good problem-solving/conflict resolution skills Works toward team and agency goals Leadership: Role model and mentor for staff as indicated by: Takes initiative to implement good practice and meet licensing and accreditation standards. Assumes a leadership role in handling a crisis. Assess needs in crisis situations Interacts professionally and cooperatively with other parts of the agency (i.e. Human Resources, Finance, etc.) Other duties as assigned. Maintains a safe and healthy work environment. Completes assignments in a timely and accurate manner Upholds the mission and values of The Methodist Home. Complete training necessary to perform position consistent with program and agency staff development plans. Demonstrate and understand the sanctuary commitments. Demonstrate a commitment to democracy by actively participating in team decisions. Practice social responsibility evidenced by dependability and reliability. Communicate openly to establish and maintain effective working relationship with people at all levels. Utilize appropriate Sanctuary tools when interacting with colleagues and residents. Adhere to the seven commitments of Sanctuary when carrying out work responsibilities. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYEES WORKING OVERNIGHT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Staff are required to have "eyes-on" supervision of the young people at least every 15 minutes. This means physically seeing the child. Staff can conduct checks more often than every 15 minutes, but checks cannot exceed the 15-minute timeframe. Staff should vary their night check routine in order to avoid a "learned pattern" of how night checks are performed. Staff should be aware of individual safety plans that may increase the level of supervision required. These "night checks" are then documented on every child throughout the night. Overnight schedules consist of ten-hour shifts; 10pm to 8am. Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: Must be 21 years of age or older. Must have a valid Driver's License with minimum of four-year driving history and the ability to meet and remain in good standing in accordance with Agency insurance guidelines. Bachelor's Degree (preferably in Human Services related field) or High School Diploma/GED combined with experience working with children/adolescents. Knowledge of child care practices, developmental issues, and group processes and practices which are important to this position. Knowledge and demonstrated skills related to theory and practices for emotionally disturbed children. Personal characteristics and experiential background that will provide appropriate care for children, to win their respect, to guide them in their development, to manage a home for them effectively and to participate in the overall treatment program designed for the residents. Necessary stamina and temperament to work with children and youth (ages 6 to 20) who are experiencing crisis and/or emotional and/or behavior disorders. Maintain high level of confidentiality. Must be able to multitask in a fast-paced work environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to appropriately handle confidential information. Ability to understand and consistently implement policies and procedures of the Agency. Ability to interact and work cooperatively and effectively with other personnel and residents. Ability to show sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural difference in the service population Ability to uphold the mission and values of The Methodist Home. Ability to be trained in basic first aid, medication administration, CPR and crisis intervention. High level of energy required for working with people. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. Must have proficient computer skills and with programs such as Microsoft office. Must have active listening skills and critical thinking skills. Must have good reading comprehension by therefore understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Ability to meet and handle the public with poise and tact. Pleasant telephone voice.