Full-Time Youth And Family Advocate I

10% Sign-On Bonus

This person works with alleged dependent and/or delinquent youths between the ages of 12-18 in the Shelter Division. YFAs are responsible for the direct daily care and supervision of residents and must adhere to the Child Protective Services Law, the Juvenile Act and DPW regulations.

• Documents in writing the daily activities of each resident;
• Initiates and conducts structured programs for the benefit of juveniles.
• Diffuses crisis situations effectively;
• Supervises, plans and participates with youth in daily residential activities including recreation, education, work, meals, etc.;
• Ensures the safety and well-being of residents both physically and emotionally.
• Performs duties as needed.
• Assess the emotional and behavioral stability of residents and place on special supervision, if necessary;
• Performs related work as required and relays pertinent information regarding needs of residents to the supervisor;
• Ensures residents are dressed properly and supervises personal hygiene of residents;
• Process new admissions documents, personal belongings and complete Intake Process;

• Must have current clearances (PA State Police, Child Abuse, FBI);
• Ability to mentor and supervise juveniles and to use crisis intervention techniques effectively;
• Must supervise the residents at all times during school, breaks and daily activities.
• Ability to maintain harmonious relationships with the public and other employees.
• Must obtain a physical examination report from a licensed physician prior to employment.
• Must sit with residents during mealtime, teaching table manners and good etiquette;
• Driver's license or reliable transportation;
• Must become familiar with location of fire extinguishers and pull stations;
• Must be capable of working with young adolescents during crisis situations;
• Must submit pre-employment drug screening;
• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in social sciences; one [1] year of relevant experience;
• Must be capable of handling adolescents during crisis situations using safe physical management techniques when there is no other recourse;
• Must be able to express oneself verbally and in writing;
• Must have good moral and ethical character;
• Must be available to work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends;

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.