Care Advocate Specialist - Second Shift

Company: Professional Services Group, Inc.
Location: Oshkosh
Posted on: June 23, 2022

Job Description:

Professional Services Group, Inc.Description:
Care Advocate Specialist provide direct care and services to the residents of Winnebago County DHS Shelter Care as directed by the Shelter Care Supervisor. Care Advocate Specialist provide a safe, secure and positive environment. They also complete necessary and required paperwork for all youth residents and the facility. Care Advocate Specialist will act as a lead worker in providing guidance and assistance to other shelter care staff regarding all aspects of the shelter care facility.The hours of this position will be from 2pm-10pm, with rotating weekends.SALARY: $21.00 an hour. Plus a $2,000 sign-on bonus! ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Provide direct care and services to all of the children and youth at the shelter care facility. Actively engage youth residents in educational, recreational, intellectual and life skills activities. Provide formal and informal groups, programming and learning opportunities. Encourage and support resident positive pro-social behavior. Maintain the facility and daily operations. Ensure the basic needs of the youth are met, including but not limited to nutritional food preparation and medication monitoring. Purchase needed food and supplies; clean and organize the facility. Provide youth transportation to school, work, court, recreational activities and other appointments as needed.Complete all paperwork as required by the agency and state licensing rules and regulations. Follow all agency and licensing rules and regulations of the facility. Perform intake and discharge processes. Observe and record behavior of the residents. Shares written and verbal information with appropriate parties. Complete and document all required training within required timeframes.As the lead worker, provide direction, assistance and guidance to Youth Care Specialists in caring for the youth residents, maintaining the facility, completing all required processes, paperwork and documentation, and completing all required staff training. Model positive and appropriate interaction with children and youth. Develop and implement daily structure. Take the lead with ordering materials and supplies, including groceries.ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILTIES:Participates in providing direction to Shelter Care Specialists in caring for residents.Assists in training new staff and existing staff, as needed.Works with the Shelter Care Specialists to facilitate groups and provide programming, basic needs and educational sessions.Assists children/youth in following daily schedules, including constructive use of free time.Performs duties related to the overall maintenance of the facility, including housekeeping, meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and other duties, as assigned.Attends and participates in staff meetings, in-service training, and other meetings as needed, including all required training as well as optional training relevant to the position.Addresses and resolves conflict in a professional manner.Manages stress in a professional manner, including actively engaging in professional and personal activities which help mitigate the impact of secondary traumatic stress.Follows Trauma Informed Care principles and practices, and demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a positive, healthy work culture.Makes recommendations, as appropriate, to Program Supervisor for changes in operational activities or policies/ procedures governing the facility.Provides comprehensive and supportive coaching, modeling, and guidance to youth through a variety of intervention services to address their social, emotional, educational, and health issues.Works cooperatively as a team-oriented member of the Shelter care facility as well as the Child Welfare Division of Human Services assisting co-workers with their duties, and participating in collaborative efforts internally and outside of the agency.Performs other related duties as may be assigned.WORK RELATIONSHIPS:Reports to Human Service Program Supervisor - Shelter CareWorks with client youth and families, as well as staff from WCDHS, circuit courts, DA's office, schools, placement settings, and other agencies/programs.

Requirements:
Must have reliable transportation on a daily basis, a valid Wisconsin driver's license, and automobile insurance.EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATION:Associates degree or 2 years of comparable post high school education, training or experience (paid or volunteer) that has provided the skills and knowledge necessary to provide proper care to children/youth living in a temporary living environment who may be experiencing significant trauma.Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning, preferably in social work, psychology, or a related field preferred.Leadership experience is preferredKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:The physical and emotional capacity to adjust to problems involved in the care and supervision of children and youth in a temporary living environment who may be experiencing significant crisis and trauma.Knowledge and understanding of Trauma Informed Care preferred, and commitment to provide trauma informed services.Ability to assess youth strengths, needs, safety, and risk factors with sensitivity to past traumatic experiences; and incorporate these into appropriate programming and services within the facility.Knowledge of child and adolescent development and experience working with at risk youth preferred.Knowledge and skill in modeling, coaching and guiding others.Ability to maintain composure and exercise good judgment in a changing environment.Ability to make objective, thoughtful decisions during crisis situations.Skilled in motivating youth through a dynamic, respectful, encouraging, and creative approach to help them develop competencies.Ability to establish and maintain effective teaming relationships with DHS employees, consumers, volunteers, public service providers, and the general public; while working within the agency structure and utilizing supervisory guidance and instruction.Possession of computer skills to manage and complete training and documentation, access information, and communicate effectively.Strong written and verbal communication skills including listening skills.Ability to effectively address and resolve conflict and to manage stress in a professional manner.Ability to successfully complete all of the required training as directed by the Department of Children and Families and the agency.Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran statusTags: youth, teen, community, mental health, social services, human services, addiction counseling, supportive, nurture, career, treatment, crisis, kids, children, therapy, multilingual, bilingual, behavior, communications, compassion, positive, impact, continuing education, development, professional development, professional growth, advancement, family, families PI180189229

Keywords: Professional Services Group, Inc., Oshkosh , Care Advocate Specialist - Second Shift, Other , Oshkosh, Wisconsin