YOUTH CARE WORKER

Distinguishing Features of the Class:  The work involves responsibility for overseeing the activities of disturbed children assigned to a Cluster Home Facility.  Duties include maintaining order and discipline and taking part in the planning and implementation of recreation, social, and everyday living activities.  The work is performed under the direction of the foster parents with supervision from the Youth Care Coordinator in accordance with established policies and procedures.  The incumbent does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities:

• Supervises the activities of disturbed children placed in an “Intensive Care” foster home setting.
• Arranges and is responsible for special recreational activities (camping, bowling, etc.)
• Provides relief for foster home parents on assigned evenings, weekends, vacation periods, and in cases of emergency.
• Arranges (and transports if necessary) all visits between the youngsters and biological parents, in accordance with individual case plans.
• Assists foster parents with their duties.
• Transports assigned children to clinic appointments, social and recreational activities.
• Maintains accurate and timely records and makes periodic and special reports as required, reports problems and/or progress of each youngster to the Cluster Home Coordinator.
• Will attend all treatment and progress conferences.

Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics:

• Working knowledge of the interests, attitudes and behavior patterns of children and adolescents.
• Working knowledge of management methods for small group care of adolescents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with disturbed children.
• Ability to plan and supervise activities to help troubled children.
• Dependability
• Ability to maintain records and make oral and written reports.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

              (A)  Associates degree in criminal justice, human services or closely related field, OR

              (B)  High school diploma or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and 1 year of experience working with children.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:  Possession of a valid NYS Driver’s License.

01/01/88

07/20/92

01/28/93

02/10/93

05/20/98

07/14/98

02/05/03

05/24/07