Youth Development Specialist (Group Homes)

**THIS POSITION IS GRANT-FUNDED**
Definition: Under general supervision by the Group Homes Supervisor in the Social Services Department, provides for the group living needs of children and youth in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Group Homes. Engages residents in an appropriate manner who may be suffering socially and emotionally. This job class is treated as FLSA Non-Exempt.
Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Tasks:
1. Supervises all young persons residing in the SRPMIC Group Homes.

• Serves as a positive and realistic role model to meet the physical, emotional and social needs of young people who must live away from home.
• Attends to their needs during day and evening activities as well as all shift responsibilities.

• Selects, develops, adapts and implements instructional methods utilizing available resources.

• Inspects the group home and the grounds for safety, cleanliness and house security to ensure that each child lives in a safe and warm environment while maintaining a high standard of personal and social hygiene.

• Takes advantage of "teaching moments" to train and educate children in social skills, work skills and life skills.

• Helps to find appropriate alternatives in solving their problems.
• Confronts and redirects children using appropriate techniques as trained.
• Disciplines children appropriately by using non-abusive techniques to assist children with their problems.

• Submits recommendations to improve Youth Residential Services and assists others to do the same.
• Records census count as required by policy.
• Reports behavior, medical and other information in appropriate logs and forms.

• Dispenses medications as needed.

• Consults with supervisory and peer staff in problem solving or clarifying interpretation and implementation of Youth Home policies.
• Assumes accountability for obeying and enforcing the policies, procedures and practices.

• Knowledge of the culture, customs, traditions, history and government of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for counseling youth and their families.
• Knowledge of resources within and outside the Community that may be utilized in the program.
• Knowledge of Behavior Management Techniques and how to use them with the youth.
• Knowledge of human development, particularly early childhood development.
• Knowledge of concepts and practices for the care and treatment of youth at risk in society, particularly the problems of Indian youth.

• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with children, youths and their families.
• Skill with planning, scheduling, time management and crisis intervention.
• Skill counseling individuals, groups and families.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with SRPMIC co-workers, multiple agencies, other service providers and the public.
• Skill assessing client needs and program progress.

• Ability to make independent decisions related to client care, program development and crisis intervention.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely program records according to prescribed standards.
• Ability to prepare food and serve meals.
• Ability to use recreation equipment as well as standard equipment found in a kitchen.
• Ability to perform CPR and First Aid.
• Ability to work non-standard work hours as required by program needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs.
• Ability to drive various SRPMIC vehicles including the 15 passenger van.

Qualifications:
Education & Experience: Two (2) years of college coursework in the social sciences or a related field AND two (2) years experience working with children/youths, preferably in a residential setting or therapeutic program is required. Four (4) years experience working with children/youths, preferably in a residential setting or therapeutic program, may substitute for the required 2 years of college coursework and 2 years experience.
Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filling the position.

May be required to work beyond normal work hours including nights, weekends and holidays.

• Must obtain First Aid and CPR certification within the first six (6) months of employment from the date of hire and maintain continuous certification.
• Participation in a departmental staff development program is a requirement.
• Must be physical capability to participate with children and adolescents in camping, hiking, recreational and other physically challenging activities.
• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the “Community Code of Ordinances”, Chapter 11, “Minors”, Article X. “Investigation of Persons Working With Children”.
• Must possess the National Child Care Worker Certification and Managing Aggressive Behavior (or equivalents) or earn them within the first six (6) months of employment from the date of hire.
• Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of this position, successful completion of an extensive background investigation may be required.

The SRPMIC offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. In addition employees enjoy vacation and sick leave and 13 paid holidays.