Youth Care Professional

Since 1975, Shelter Youth and Family Services has been a leader in Chicagoland for providing the emotional and physical care, programs, and services that children need to build safer, healthier, and brighter futures. We are the only agency in the state of Illinois to provide fully comprehensive and community-based services for children and families at risk and in need. Our programs include emergency housing, transitional living, foster care, home visiting, and clinical support services. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Shelter Youth and Family Services is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities. We actively strive to create an environment that supports all employees, placing value in contributions from people from diverse backgrounds, and honoring all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities. Our mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and transform communities. Joining us in this role will give you a chance to help fulfill that mission and help the community. Shelter Youth and Family Services is a smoke free and drug free workplace.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. At Shelter, Inc., we offer sixteen (16) paid holidays for full time employees and employees who work on the holiday. In addition, we offer floating holidays to recognize the religious and cultural needs and the diverse background of our employees.

Work is performed primarily in the assigned facility, and occasionally transporting clients in vehicles, meeting rooms both in the facility and at other agency sites. Shelter, Inc.'s Emergency Group Homes (Buckholz Group Home in Palatine and Jennings Home in Schaumburg) serve youth ages 11-17 who are in need of housing and support due to experiencing crises such as abuse, neglect, homelessness, runaway, and / or family conflict. Youth stay in our programs anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, or longer-term as needed. Staff provide intake and referral, direct supervision for the youth assigned to each emergency shelter and house management. It is a voluntary, hands-off program (no restraints) with up to 6 youth placed at a time at each home. We also have a Transitional Living Program for male youth 17-21 located in Arlington Heights. These are youth who are aging out of the foster care system and working more long-term on independent living skills.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Youth Care Professional will be working on-call or as needed, part-time (15-29 hours per week) and full-time (30 hours or more) positions. You will work with the Emergency Shelters or Transitional Living Program (if you are at least twenty-five (25) or older). In these positions you will work with young people who are living at our facilities and help to keep them safe, provide an inclusive and welcoming environment, and help them in their development as they complete school and get ready to enter the world at large. We staff each home 24 hours / day and seek to hire professionals with a flexible schedule who can work days or afternoons or overnights and weekends in all cases. We require applicants who are available to work some time during the weekend in each case. We offer competitive salaries, $21-22 per hour, and benefits for full-time employees who work 30 hours per week or more on average. We also offer a $250 new hire bonus after 2 weeks worked and tenure bonuses at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES PROGRAM DAILY OPERATIONS :

• Must be at least 21 years of age in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Licensing Standards for Emergency Shelters.
• Must be at least 25 years of age to work at the Transitional Living Program.
• Must have experience working with young people (10-25 years of age)
• Two years / 60 hours of college credit from an accredited school or comparable experience preferred. Degree in human services field desired.
• Must meet Child Care Facility Driver requirements in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of Shelter's mission, vision, and values.
• Must have a valid Illinois driver's license, automobile, and must submit proof of Illinois auto insurance. Must be willing to drive clients to events, school, or activities as required.
• Auto insurance must show coverage for the minimum insurance limits of $25,000 / $50,000 / $20,000 as required by law for liability and property damage insurance.
• Must complete a medical and T.B. test prior to start date. Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the latest CDC guidelines.
• Must be fingerprinted by the State of Illinois and must submit to a full background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services prior to start date.
• Must submit official educational transcripts from the last school in which a degree was awarded prior to start date.
• Must become certified in Think Trauma, CPR and First Aid and complete New Hire Orientation before working independently, this training is provided by the agency.

Attn - Shelter Youth and Family Services encourages the application of all bilingual applicants to work with our client community. Applicants who can successfully certify their skill level in reading, speaking, and writing in two languages with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may receive an additional salary stipend. Certification testing is set by DCFS.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Youth Care Professional reports directly to the Residential Coordinator and works collaboratively with other program leaders to ensure the highest quality of care and service delivery.

HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT

We are hiring professionals who can work on-call (0-20 hours per week), part time 15-29 hours per week, and full-time (30+ hours per week). All applicants must be available to work at least some weekend days.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education :

1.Must have attended some college and completed at least 60 hours or worked in a related field for 2 or more years.

Experience :

1.Minimum 1-2 years working with young people 10-25 years of age

2.Experience working a residential facility preferred

Skills and Abilities :

1.Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

2.Ability to manage multiple priorities and remain calm under pressure.

3.Knowledge of trauma-informed practices.

4.Familiarity with DCFFS regulations and child welfare best practices.

Certifications and Requirements :

1.Valid Illinois driver's license and adequate automobile insurance.

2.Must have a working automobile.

3.Must be at least 21 years of age in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services licensing standards.

4.Must complete a medical and TB test and provide results.

5.Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to CDC guidelines.

6.Must be fingerprinted by the state of Illinois and must submit to a full background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

7.Must submit official educational transcripts from the last school in which the last degree was awarded.

8.Must be able to life 40 pounds.

9.Must be certified in CPR / First Aid, CPI , Think Trauma training and complete new hire orientation before working independently.

10.Must be available to work a flexible schedule. Schedules are completed every 2 weeks

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk; and use hands to handle or operate objects. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and reach with hands or arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Shelter is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities. We actively strive to create an environment that supports all employees, placing value in contributions from people from diverse backgrounds, and honoring all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities.

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

Work is performed primarily in the agency facilities, and occasionally in vehicles, meeting rooms both in the facility and at other agency sites.

CLASSIFICATION STATUS

This is a non-exempt position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including individuals from historically underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a safe and inclusive workplace for all.