Youth Development Specialist III

WHY WORK AT YFA?

We tackle some of the world's toughest problems. Our employees are an incredible group of compassionate, committed individuals, drawn by the opportunity to make a difference. Year over year, our employees report they are proud to work here and are willing to go above and beyond in service of our mission to create a safe, nurturing environment for children.

Youth and Family Advocates, Inc. (YFA) a progressive not-for-profit organization of 350+ staff who are dedicated to working in partnership with communities and families to create a safe, nurturing environment for children and to lead the way in building a bridge for children to have a stable and loving family. This is why “Family” is our middle name! Established in 1970, YFA has been around for over 50 years, with services spanning seven counties across Florida.

No matter the role, we believe every team member at YFA has a critical role in supporting our children and our communities and we constantly strive to ensure a positive, purpose-driven, dynamic work environment for you to learn, grow and meet your fullest potential. If these values appeal to you and you would like to invest your time, energy, and talent in a cause that can make a difference in a child and family’s future, then we may have a place for you on our team!

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Acts as a shift lead as assigned according to schedule including:
• Point person responsible to oversee the functioning of an assigned shift within a residential setting
• Provide support to YDS during staff
• Oversee and directly perform tasks and daily activities
• Assesses and reacts to potential critical situations on shift utilizing on call in a timely manner and consultation with the Residential Director as needed
• Responsible for ensuring the completion of required documentation during each shift
• Utilizes Youth Development System to effectually identify key areas of development for each youth in coordination with Shelter Counselors, Residential Supervisor, and Director.
• Responsible to assume on call responsibility during supervisory absence or vacancy as needed
• Provide shadow opportunities and training to new staff
• Provides direct supervision for residents under the direction of Residential Supervisor, including scheduling and assigning chores, directly and actively showing residents how to do chores, and working with residents to complete tasks as assigned as outlined in Youth Development System with an emphasis on the outcome achieved by completing these tasks.
• Ensures shelter and property are clean, neat, and safe for residents and directly performs all appropriate related tasks.
• Maintains culture of cleanliness which includes specific cleaning duties as assigned and/or general cleaning when there is down time during a shift.
• Monitors residents’ behavior and reports any unusual behavior.
• Utilizes crisis intervention techniques with an emphasis on being proactive in addressing potential conflict and not allowing behaviors to escalate.
• Maintains good order and discipline among residents, including assigning appropriate consequences for unacceptable behavior and once trained, using acceptable crisis intervention techniques as appropriate.
• Monitors residents’ whereabouts to be sure they stay on property. Notifies law enforcement and guardian when residents leave property without authorization.
• Leads group discussions with residents as outlined in the Youth Development System.
• Plans recreational activities for residents and participates when appropriate, ensuring activities align with development themes outlined in Youth Development System.
• Completes monitoring notes, runaway and incident reports, and client case records for residents.
• Completes clerical aspects of intake process for new residents.
• Transports residents as required and under the direction of the program leadership, if over 21 years of age with appropriate clearance.
• Creates a safe and welcoming environment for youth, families, and/or colleagues, in order for individuals to feel emotionally and physically secure, and not be re-traumatized.
• Follows a trauma-informed approach, demonstrating sensitivity to individuals needs’ and experiences.
• Practices self-care and seeks support when necessary to prevent burnout of providing trauma-informed care.
• Adheres to the agency’s policies and procedures.
• Embraces the core values and mission statement of the Agency.

Location: 7522 Plathe Road, New Port Richey FL

WHAT YOU NEED:

Education and Experience:
High School diploma or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree preferred or 5+ years of direct work experience with adolescents. Work experience in a residential setting plus a Florida driver’s license with a clean DMV record.
Preferred knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed principles and practices, including the importance of creating a safe environment, fostering trust, promoting collaboration, and empowering individuals.

Physical Requirements: Requires a high degree of physical activity including the ability to run, jump, bend, and stand for significant time periods (2+ hours), lift, and carry 50+ pounds. The ability to travel on a regional basis as needed for training and transport.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?At YFA, we are as dedicated to our team members as we are to our mission! YFA provides:

• 13 Days of PTO, Incrementally Increasing Annually
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 5 Days Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Paid Life Insurance
• Legal Services
• ID Monitoring
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Immediate eligibility for 403b Savings Plan with match after 12 months
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities

And of course, an opportunity to make the world a better place!

Youth and Family Advocates is committed to fostering a trauma informed workplace culture, to include a commitment to ensuring that employees interact with children, families, and each other in ways that promote healing, resiliency, and responsiveness to the impact of trauma in the lives of individuals.

Youth and Family Advocates is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We adhere to the principles of affirmative action and strictly prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on these protected characteristics.

Youth and Family Advocates comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, training, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and other privileges of employment.

Youth and Family Advocates are committed to promoting a healthy and safe work environment, which is why we always maintain a smoke-free workplace. All forms of tobacco or vaping products of any kind at any time on our premises. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas, as well as outdoor spaces. Individuals must leave our campus, which includes our parking lots and other public areas, to smoke, vape, or use smokeless tobacco.