Youth Development Specialist (group Homes)

Definition

Under general supervision by the Group Homes Supervisor in the Social Services Department, provides for the group living needs of children and youth in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Group Homes. Engages residents in an appropriate manner who may be suffering socially and emotionally. This job class is treated as FLSA Non-Exempt.

Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification

Examples of Tasks

1. Supervises all young person's residing in the SRPMIC Group Homes.

• Attends to their needs during day and evening activities as well as all shift responsibilities.
• Serves as a positive and realistic role model to meet the physical, emotional and social needs of young people who must live away from home.

2. Teaches children individually or in groups.

• Selects, develops, adapts and implements instructional methods utilizing available resources.

3. Participates in Community based prevention education efforts by positively including children in prevention presentations at schools and other areas in the Community.

4. Provides on-the-job training for newly hired employees and conducts peer training as requested.

5. Maintains the homes in a warm, safe, clean and orderly fashion.

• Inspects the group home and the grounds for safety, cleanliness and house security to ensure that each child lives in a safe and warm environment while maintaining a high standard of personal and social hygiene.

6. Supervises meals and their preparation to ensure proper nourishment.

• Takes advantage of "teaching moments" to train and educate children in social skills, work skills and life skills.

7. Intervenes appropriately to help children deal with anti-social or acting-out behavior.

• Helps to find appropriate alternatives in solving their problems.
• Confronts and redirects children using appropriate techniques as trained.
• Disciplines children appropriately by using non-abusive techniques to assist children with their problems.

8. Completes and maintains written documentation, case files and other sensitive material.

• Records census count as required by policy.
• Reports behavior, medical and other information in appropriate logs and forms.
• Submits recommendations to improve Youth Residential Services and assists others to do the same.

9. Confers with Case Managers and others in an active, positive manner.

• Dispenses medications as needed.

10. Acquires and maintains a working knowledge of SRPMIC Youth Home policies, procedures and practices.

• Assumes accountability for obeying and enforcing the policies, procedures and practices.
• Consults with supervisory and peer staff in problem solving or clarifying interpretation and implementation of Youth Home policies.

11. Drives youth to and from activities in Tribal vehicle (15 passenger van).

12. Ensures the supervisor is informed of Group Home events, happenings, incidents and that written reports are submitted as required.

13. Establishes and maintains an environment that encourages teamwork, interdependence and ethical behavior.

14. Performs other job-related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance program and departmental operation.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the culture, customs, traditions, history and government of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for counseling youth and their families.
• Knowledge of concepts and practices for the care and treatment of youth at risk in society, particularly the problems of Indian youth.
• Knowledge of resources within and outside the Community that may be utilized in the program.
• Knowledge of Behavior Management Techniques and how to use them with the youth.
• Knowledge of human development, particularly early childhood development.

• Skill with planning, scheduling, time management and crisis intervention.
• Skill assessing client needs and program progress.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with children, youths and their families.
• Skill counseling individuals, groups and families.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with SRPMIC co-workers, multiple agencies, other service providers and the public.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely program records according to prescribed standards.
• Ability to make independent decisions related to client care, program development and crisis intervention.
• Ability to prepare food and serve meals.
• Ability to drive various SRPMIC vehicles including the 15 passenger van.
• Ability to work non-standard work hours as required by program needs.
• Ability to perform CPR and First Aid.
• Ability to use recreation equipment as well as standard equipment found in a kitchen.
• Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from High School or a GED equivalent required.
• For enrolled Community members without a GED, must obtain a GED. Requires participation in the HR GED program and successful completion of the Arizona State certified exam in order to continue employment with SRPMIC.
• An Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development or closely related course of study preferred.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of college coursework in the social sciences or a related field AND two (2) years' experience working with children/youths, preferably in a residential setting or therapeutic program is required.
• Four (4) years' experience working with children/youths, preferably in a residential setting or therapeutic program, may substitute for the required 2 years of college coursework and 2 years' experience.

• Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.

• Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill

Special Requirements

May be required to work beyond normal work hours including nights, weekends and holidays.

• Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of this position, successful completion of an extensive background investigation may be required.
• Must obtain First Aid and CPR certification within the first six (6) months of employment from the date of hire and maintain continuous certification.
• Participation in a departmental staff development program is a requirement.
• Must possess the National Child Care Worker Certification and Managing Aggressive Behavior (or equivalents) or earn them within the first six (6) months of employment from the date of hire.
• Must be physical capability to participate with children and adolescents in camping, hiking, recreational and other physically challenging activities.
• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the "Community Code of Ordinances", Chapter 11, "Minors", Article X. "Investigation of Persons Working With Children".

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified : Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods:

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date.

The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted .

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.