Youth Care Specialist

Albuquerque Transitional Living operated by AMIkids Sandoval provides transitional and independent living opportunities and supportive services for eligible youth in foster care and eligible adults transitioning to adulthood.

At the completion of the NM-TLYA program, participants will have made steps toward independently sustaining a successful life by utilizing all services available to them while participating in the program.

Eligible participants are youth and adults between the ages of 16 and 23 who have been involved with the New Mexico child welfare system through protective services, juvenile justice, or tribal social services, or are at risk for system involvement. This shall include youth or young adults that have turned 18 while in custody of the state or tribal child welfare system or that were adopted or placed in a guardianship following their 16th birthday.

Position Summary

The role of the Youth Care Specialist in the Young Adult Program has responsibility for directing and safely supervising the youth in our care by providing guidance in behavior choices by teaching social, self-help, academic and living skills.

Essential Job Duties

• Ensure the safety and supervision of all youth in accordance with all operational and contractual requirements,
• Serve as advisor and positive role model for youth in the program,
• Act as a coach to youth to help them grow and develop in the areas of personal responsibility, social skills, community living skills, interpersonal communications and behavior,
• Prevent and intervene in youth altercations and incidents, using the authorized state mandated training methods,
• Effective use of the Behavior Modification System by providing redirection and coaching to youth,
• Overnight Staff supervise youth during quiet and sleeping hours and conduct bed checks in accordance to established schedule,
• Review Notes in Shift Log at beginning of every shift,
• Complete required shift documentation at end of every shift,
• Notify management immediately of problems and/or incidents,
• Complete incident, accident and behavioral reports according to standard operating procedures,
• Actively participate in debriefs at beginning and end of each shift; provide applicable Youth and Program updates and changes,
• Ensure facility, equipment and supplies follow all laws, regulations and policies,
• Teach youth how to maintain all equipment within compliance standards,
• Maintain the repair and maintenance log and inventory of related equipment,
• Administer first aid and CPR during emergencies in accordance with the national standards,
• May be required to participate in day and/or overnight trips, special activities that involve recreational sports, and may require extended 16-hour workdays/24 hour on-call status,
• Attend and maintain appropriate crisis intervention and physical restraint training and certification as defined by state and contract requirements,
• Attend and maintain CPR and First Aid certification by nationally recognized organization,
• Drive program's vehicles as required in accordance with AMIkids transportation guidelines,
• Attend all required training/professional development events and maintain all appropriate certifications and licenses.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience

• Associate degree with three (3) years of experience working with children, families or youth; or High school diploma/GED with four (4) years of experience working with children, families or youth,
• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related degree preferred;

What's in it for you?
As well as gain an opportunity to make an exceptional difference in kids' lives, AMIkids offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Growth opportunities – we pride ourselves on developing our leaders from within
• Health Benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, & Prescription Drug plan options; Health Spending Account, Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D
• PTO & Paid Holidays
• Wellness Benefits – EAP, Health Coaching, Stress Management Programs, etc.
• Employer Funded Pension Plan, Voluntary 403(B) Retirement Plan, Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Pet Insurance, World Travel Assistance, Car Rental discounts, Gym Membership discounts, and more.