Youth Support and Transportation Specialist I (3E Counties)

Position Function:

Provide safety, childcare, in-region transportation, and empathetic adult guidance to clients. This role requires sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the service population and the ability to work independently. This position supports clients and families within the Northeast 3E Region to include Collin, Grayson, Fannin, Hunt, Rockwall, Ellis, Kaufman and Navarro Counties. 

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the physical, medical, emotional care, and safety of clients.
• Use and support a Trauma Informed Care model.
• Perform duties such as meal preparation.
• Provide care to children without on-site supervision and use judgment to seek supervision when needed.
• Work flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays based on client needs.
• Transport children and have reliable transportation with minimum liability insurance.
• Possess a valid Texas driver’s license and be able to operate a multi-passenger vehicle with a clean driving record.

Working Conditions:

• Frequent and prolonged driving in agency-issued vehicles, including multi-passenger vans, as a core function of the role.
• Exposure to children with behavior problems, including possible physical aggression.
• Exposure to illness and blood.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the service population.

Confidentiality:

Maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to personal and client records

Expectations:

Values:

• Maintain high ethical standards.
• Empower others to solve their problems.
• Value a nurturing family environment.
• Believe in the capacity of people to grow and change.
• Establish respectful relationships to help clients gain skills and confidence.
• Work collaboratively with other personnel and service providers.
• Maintain a helping role and intervene appropriately to meet service goals.
• Set appropriate limits and represent OCOK professionally.

Client Care:

• Administer and document medication as directed.
• Establish and follow appropriate routines for childcare.
• Provide clients with basic needs and a clean, safe living environment.
• Supervise clients based on their needs.
• Support case plans and teach clients day-to-day skills.

Policies and Procedures:

• Complete all required documentation (incident reports, case notes, medical documentation, etc.).
• Maintain staff-to-client ratio as determined by the supervisor.
• Follow DFPS minimum standards.

Deadlines:

• Complete incident reports and case notes within 24 hours.
• Notify the supervisor of serious incidents immediately.
• Complete and maintain the required training hours within the outlined timeframe.
• Ensure clients attend appointments on time.

Program Operations:

• Maintain necessary documentation on fiscal matters.
• Attend and participate in shift change meetings and other staffing as directed.
• Provide clients with opportunities to learn and practice skills.
• Participate in planning and implementing childcare activities.
• Perform any other duties as directed by the supervisor.
• Maintain safety, confidentiality, and protection of clients.
• Build strong relationships with volunteer organizations.
• Transport clients to appointments.

Youth Care and Support:

• Collaborate with family and other support systems to advocate for clients.
• Work with TDFPS and other caseworkers to support clients.
• Collaborate with resources to support clients' individual needs and transition goals.

Education: High School diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree in a human service field preferred.

Experience: Minimum 6 months of childcare and positive guidance of youth. Experience working in a child placing agency, residential, or professional setting preferred.

MVR Requirements: Must be able to transport children, have reliable transportation with a minimum of liability. Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license and be able to operate a multi-passenger vehicle. A minimum of 2 years of valid driving experience is required. Must have a driving record, which is within the guidelines of the insurance underwriter.