Youth Service Specialist

We're hiring superheroes to help shape the future of foster care.
Do you want to be part of changing the lives of children in foster care who've been abused, abandoned, neglected, and experienced unspeakable trauma? *Make an impact*: Working at the speed of social change, we create value for our stakeholders (children, families, and communities) by delivering solutions that empower relationships.
Our pace of work enables fast learning and fosters an environment where you can stretch yourself and make an impact.
*Learn and grow*: If you're purpose-driven, compassionate, innovative, collaborative and have a growth mindset, we’re committed to growing your capabilities.
We are building a leadership and learning organization where you can work with diverse individuals, explore new ways of thinking, be mentored, grow as a leader from the minute you're hired, and expand your capabilities.
Our employees are doctors, engineers, therapists, entrepreneurs, social workers, and nurturing human beings who work out loud and share their knowledge to enhance each other’s growth.
*Benefits*: Competitive Compensation, Work-life Balance, Vacation, PTO, & Medical _If you’re good at what you do, you can work anywhere.
If you’re the best at what you do, come work at ACTS II Ministry for Teens!_ *JOB TITLE: *Youth Services Specialist *JOB LOCATION: *Kalamazoo, MI *EMPLOYMENT TYPE:* Full Time or Part-Time *COMPENSATION:* $18.
00/hour *Created:* 3/11/2022 *JOB DESCRIPTION**: * ACTS II is a licensed and contracted child caring institution providing open residential foster care home services to adolescent boys ages 10 to 17.
We offer many valuable services to assist the needs of our residents and to teach them the skills they need to transition home to a parent/guardian, to a foster home, AFC home, to independent living or to supported independent living.
Many of the youth that we serve have severe trauma through physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect.
Some of the residents may also have developmental disabilities and/or cognitive impairments.
These youth may struggle with toileting, hygiene, physical activity, language functioning, emotional regulation, and in school.
These youth may also struggle with over sexualized behaviors.
We provide care in a warm, safe, caring and nurturing environment for our residents.
Our mission statement is: “Empowering and Equipping Youth for Success Beyond Foster Care.
” Our vision statement is: “Develop thriving young adults to transform families and communities.
” *MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES**:* * Engage with youth throughout the day with various activities.
* Wake residents for school, work, or other morning activities.
* Supervise and/or assist residents with hygiene, using the restroom, showering, eating, activities, doing their laundry, cleaning their bedrooms, completing chores, etc.
* Transport residents to school, appointments, work, community service/volunteer projects, etc.
* Prepare meals for residents * Responsible for verbally de-escalating and resolving conflict, anger, etc.
* Complete checklist and deep cleaning/disinfecting throughout the home.
* Distribute morning medication and or over-the-counter medication.
* Enforce all ACTS II policies.
* Complete appropriate paperwork during your shift (i.
e.
incident reports, one-on-one reports, electronic communication log, etc.
).
* Must be able to sympathize with resident’s needs and feelings regardless of resident’s race, social, ethnic and religious background * Must be patient, nurturing and accepting of others.
* Youth Services Specialist must attend all monthly staff meetings and training.
*MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS**:* * High School diploma or G.
E.
D.
* Verbal and written communication skills.
* Familiarity with computers, the Internet, email and Microsoft Office Suite * Valid Michigan driver’s license.
* Reliable transportation and telephone.
* Possess strong positive leadership skills, conflict mediation skills, and positive decision-making skills.
* Must possess the social skills to interact positively and objectively with residents, staff and administrators.
*DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS**:* * Prior experience working with individuals that may have mental health diagnoses, cognitive impairments or disabilities.
* Experience with culturally diverse groups.
*COMPETENCIES**:* * Customer/Client Focus.
* Decision Making.
* Leadership.
* Ethical Conduct.
* Teamwork Orientation.
* Problem Solving/Critical Thinking * Strategic Thinking * Conflict Resolution * Collaborative * Integrity * Good moral character * High-level/Excellence in Service Delivery * Highly effective written and oral communication skills * Multi-tasking * Self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision is a must.
* Detail-oriented and able to work with and abide by state and organizational rules and policies.
* Professionalism/Excellent Professional Etiquette * Excellent organizational skills * Excellent computer and internet skills * Innovative * Passion for serving teenage youth * Relationship-Oriented * People-Centered * Purpose-Driven *WORK ENVIRONMENT**:* This job operates in a home-like setting working with youth ages 10-17.
The position will require interaction, engagement and supervision of youth on a daily basis.
*POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK**: * Our facility is open and staffed 24/7, 365 days a year.
The position is a part time or full-time, and hours of work are open, Monday through Sunday.
Extended hours may be necessary as needed to assist and/or cover staffing during program hours.
*REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE**:* High School diploma or GED with preferable experience in a Child Caring Institution, Child Placing Agency, AFC home, or related human services field.
*ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS**:* * Must be able to successfully pass: fingerprinting, abuse/neglect registry, pre-employment drug test and physical, driving record clearance process, and criminal background check.
* Have a working knowledge of computer systems, including Microsoft Office Suite.
* Follow HIPAA guidelines and maintain confidentiality.
* Must have a Michigan valid driver’s license.
* Reliable transportation and telephone.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Pay: $18.
00 per hour Benefits: * Health insurance * Paid time off Schedule: * 12 hour shift Education: * High school or equivalent (Required) Experience: * childcare: 3 years (Preferred) * CNA: 1 year (Preferred) License/Certification: * Driver's License (Required) Work Location: In person