Direct Care

**Overview**:
The Direct Care / Youth Care Worker is responsible for providing continuous supervision, and therapeutic support to Florida’s most vulnerable and at-risk male youth in a licensed group home setting.
- We are looking for dedicated and caring Caregivers to join an innovative child welfare organization that is committed to providing for the best Care, Welfare, Safety and Security of youth (male) that are placed in out-of-home care placements.

**Responsibilities**:
Serve as a Caregiver and role model for youth while providing direction and oversight of youth in their daily living routine on site as well as during all community-based activities.
- Serves as a Surrogate Parent, and Mentor to some of Florida's most vulnerable and at-risk youth in the Child Welfare System
- Provide direct supervision and engage in positive/ interactive interactions with youth; teach youth life skills in said area.
- Provide and maintain a safe, clean, nurturing, therapeutic environment in the home.
- Accompany children to and from the school bus pickup and drop off locations.
- Plan and supervise therapeutic on-site and community-based activities for the youth.
- Prepare meals / snacks as per menu; work with youth in gaining life skills in said area.
- Operate agency vehicle & provide transportation & supervision on community trips, activities, and medical appointments.
- Assist with academic enrichment & homework / provide support with computer based / e-learning activities as needed.
- Identify signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and bring them to the team’s attention.
- Administer and document all medication to youth as instructed and in accord with established agency procedures. Be aware of all resident medications and their side effects. Document and communicate medication reactions or concerns.
- Complete shift documentation of services provided within required and keep paper and electronic records for each child in accordance with agency policies.
- Participate in the development and revision of house programs with an emphasis on structure, consistency, and communication.
- Be knowledgeable and supportive of the residents’ individualized (Appraisal/Needs and Services) care plan; provide feedback to the team regarding the strengths of youth / families, as well as the challenges that they face in meeting their goals.
- Attend and Participate in House Meetings, Training and Team building opportunities.
- Provide crisis de-escalation interventions and implement behavior modification techniques as instructed.

**MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS**:

- Education & Experience:_
- High School diploma or GED with a minimum of 12 months experience working with children 8 -17 and must be at least 21 years of age.
- Preferred: bachelor’s or associate degree in human services related field with two (2) year experience in residential setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-specific competencies listed in job duties.
- 1+ years of experience serving at-risk children & youth, working with at-risk, abused and neglected youth, and a basic understanding of trauma and mental health issues.
- Able to pass a 7-point DCF background screening, Child Abuse Registry, Sexual Offender Registry, FBI, Local Sheriff, and Department of Justice, etc.

**_Licenses & Certifications:_**
- Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license with no record of criminal driving offense of license suspension and be insurable under commercial auto policy.
- Must possess reliable transportation and show proof of required insurance.
- Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Current First Aid / CPR certifications.

**Required experience**:

- Previous experience working with at-risk, abused and neglected youth, a basic understanding of trauma and mental health issues is a plus.
- Team-oriented, ability to prepare meals, athletic background, and the ability to plan and coordinate activities (social, recreational, and educational).
- Must be able to operate a 7 passenger or 12 passenger vehicles.
- Be fully aware of the individualized program of each of the residents entrusted to their care.
- Be fully aware and supportive of the policies and procedures of Group Homes, Inc.

**Benefits**:

- Paid Vacation
- Opportunity for Growth
- Supplemental Insurance Plans via Aflac
- Simple IRA after 90 days
- Holiday pay
- Paid time off.

**JOB TYPE**:

- Full Time (evenings - 3PM - 11PM)
- Part Time - (evenings & weekends)
- Overnight / 3rd Shift - (11PM - 9AM)

**SALARY & BENEFITS**:
$15.00 - $16.25 per hour depending upon Experience (DOE) is a full time, non-exempt position. This position must have the flexibility to work different days, including weekends, overnights and/ or holidays as needed. Punctuality and consistency in critical to the proper functioning of the home. Performance expectations must be maintained at o