Direct Care Staff

Reports to: Administrator and/or Facility Manager, as appropriate

Job Summary: Full- and Part-Time (20-40+ Hours per Week)

This position will require an individual at least 21 years of age with the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of children served in a children’s residential setting;
• Skills and abilities to engage and develop a rapport with children who have various backgrounds;
• Skills and ability to provide consistency and behavioral limits through relationship-based interventions; and
• Skills to communicate effectively with the ability to solve problems win a collaborative manner.

Minimum/Desired Qualifications and Duties

Direct Care staff shall meet one of the following criteria:

• A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree
• Valid Child Development Permit
• Completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education and have 100 hours of experience working with youth
• Valid Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor, or Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certificate and have 100 hours of experience working with youth
• Valid Vocational Training Certificate, Credential or documentation stating the individual is a trade journeyperson and instructs vocational skills to children and have 100 hours of experience working with youth
• Previous employment as Direct Care staff or Volunteer for at least one year
• Previous employment as Direct Care staff for at least two (2) years
• Prefer previous administrator/managerial experience

Sample Responsibilities and Duties

1. Supervise, protect, and care for children individually and in groups at all times
2. Assist each child in working with a group and in handling individual problems.
3. Administer discipline and set limits for behavior.
4. Notation of each child’s progress; identification of the possible need for additional professional services; and communication of such findings to professional staff.
5. Assist with the provision of or access to core services and supports, daily activities, and emotional and social supports, as necessary.
6. Perform household duties directed towards developing clients’ self-help skills; may be performed by the youth in placement. Client participation in these duties shall be voluntary and specified in their individualized Needs and Service Plan. No household duties shall go undone because a client refuses to participate.
7. Report to the Facility Manager and make recommendations to address identified problems.
8. Any other duties that may be necessary to ensure the health and safety of children in the facility.