Youth Specialist

Join the Calhoun County team as a Youth Specialist, where you will play a vital role in providing direct care supervision to residents of the Youth Center. As a member of our team, you will assist in creating a safe and secure environment, implementing treatment programs, and working closely with residents to help them achieve their goals.

• Provide direct care supervision to residents, including input on behavior and planning, and implementation of daily activities.
• Work collaboratively with a team to provide input on resident behaviors and planning, and attend team meetings to discuss resident progress.
• Prepare documentation of resident behaviors and actions, including point sheets, observation notes, incident reports, and resident files.
• Provide informal one-on-one counseling to residents, discussing topics such as family problems, court hearings, homework, and interpersonal relationships.
• Supervise resident daily hygienic procedures, including distributing clothing and personal items, and supervising daily activities.
• Organize and participate in recreational activities, such as arts and crafts, games, gym events, and outdoor activities.
• Transport, escort, and monitor residents to appointments, court hearings, and visitations.
• Perform and assist with intakes of residents, gathering information, searching for contraband, assessing potential for suicide and health concerns, and providing orientations on program rules and materials.
• Assist teachers, trainers, and volunteers by serving as an aide in the classroom and dealing with disciplinary matters as necessary.
• Instruct and supervise residents in daily housekeeping chores and cleaning duties, and perform laundry duties and other housekeeping tasks.
• Assist with the management of the token economy, behavior management techniques, and other strategies in accordance with approved training and policies.
• Intervene in crisis situations in accordance with policy and procedures, and submit information to Shift Supervisor/Director on serious disciplinary actions.
• Understand and identify stages of group development, and modify group management strategies accordingly.
• Supervise residents to ensure adequate security measures are met, including making security checks, taking resident counts, performing room checks, and monitoring security cameras.
• Assess medical emergencies, administer first aid, dispense authorized medications, comply with nutritional requirements and treatments, and adhere to universal precautions.

• A minimum completion of a standard high school diploma or equivalent, with a Bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences preferred.
• Experience working with youth is preferred, with teaching skills in group management and recreation strongly desired.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, and possess a valid MI Operator's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate with County personnel and the general public in situations requiring tact and patience.
• Mental ability to handle simultaneous projects requiring concentration and attention to detail, with frequent distractions due to people and/or telephone calls.
• Physical ability to transport items weighing up to twenty-five pounds, and periodically required to walk for extended periods of time.

• Flexible scheduling and telecommuting options depending on position and department.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits, with amounts and distribution varying slightly by union contract, policy, and/or defined work week.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits, including Term Life Insurance, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance, Long Term Disability Wage Loss Benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employee Wellness Program, and Perks Program.