Service Worker

The Service Worker is the designated service delivery staff for the youth assigned to the program and is responsible for ensuring that all services specified in the youth’s service plan are delivered as required. This individual is expected to take an active role in the development and fostering of therapeutic relationships between youth and staff to provide for effective care and treatment. This person is expected to display and maintain a high standard of ethical behavior and professionalism and function as a member of a therapeutic team in providing a balanced approach to planning and assessment for VQ Youth. May provide Safe Crisis Management and utilize verbal intervention techniques to youth who are physically threatening, out-of-control, or otherwise presenting a threat to themselves and/or others.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Possesses working knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,  therapeutic elements of programming and uses the relevant terminology and approaches in all interaction with youth and staff .  Ability to provide psychoeducational groups to youth including Sanctuary groups and Gender specific programming.  
• Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to diversity issues and recognizes triggers, biases, and beliefs, and does not allow them to interfere with treatment, service delivery, and the performance of the job. 
• Assist staff with identification of triggers, biases and beliefs that may interfere with the work environment.
• Has working knowledge of normal child and adolescent development including: physical changes and concerns, emotional growth, social development and cognitive development. 
• Possesses working knowledge of at least the following diagnosis: ADD, ADHD, PTSD/Trauma, depression, ODD, bipolar, anxiety and conduct disorder as applied to adolescents. 
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in the formulation of psychosocial treatment plans with relevant goals, behaviorally-measurable objectives that serve as indices for evaluating treatment progress, and realistic time frames for achievement. 
• Demonstrates skill in problem-solving and participating in individual and family member treatment, and supportive interventions as team member and/or team leader. 
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in written documentation of assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, progress reports, and discharge summaries in the clinical record, with all entries authenticated and time dated. 
•  Maintains accountability of youth to program norms and schedule including adherence to positive peer culture, participation in chores, community service, schooling, counseling and extraordinary experiences. 
• Demonstrates ability to provide Safe Crisis Management through appropriate de-escalation techniques and the use of verbal interventions to protect the safety of the youth and staff. 
• On call responsibilities include, response to Crisis Intervention Calls unless doing so will result in an unsafe program environment or involve the termination of a critical task. 
• Provides training and consultation to staff on implementation of operational objectives through their integration into daily living, education services, policy and procedures, and extraordinary experiences. 
• Monitors the required orientation and staff training per applicable staff regulations and VQ policy and procedure. 

SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills with ability to listen actively. 
• Positive and compassionate attitude, solid relationship-building capabilities. 
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team. 
• Strong organizational and problem solving skills. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree in the behavioral sciences, human services or social services field. 
• 2 years of Child welfare and/or case management experience. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must be 21 years of age or older. 
• Flexible schedule (evening, weekends, holidays) to facilitate program services is required. 
• Cleared background checks from appropriate entities. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds infrequently.
• Performs tasks that may involve standing or walking 50% of the day; sitting 50%of the day.
• May bend, stoop, reach and grasp as necessary.