Residential Specialist

 Court Expectations of Employee:

• Adheres to Court Policy and Procedures

• Acts as a role model both within and outside the Court

• Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships

• Maintains a positive and respectful approach both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Court

• Performs duties as workload necessitates in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments meeting Department productivity standards

• Communicates regularly with supervisor about Department issues

• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload

• Consistently reports to work on time,  prepared to perform duties of position meeting Court attendance standards

Essential Job Functions:

• Supervise youth as required both inside and outside of the facility.

• Monitor the safety, security and care of the youth while following accepted rules for movement and control.

• Perform individual room housekeeping checks, check locks, read report from previous shifts and confer with previous shift personnel.

• Assist with orientation to the Youth Treatment Center and educate residents in socially acceptable behavior.

• Assist the teaching staff with classroom activities such as tutoring, arts and crafts, etcetera.

• Assist with self-administration of resident’s medications as instructed.

• Assist other staff with resident pat-downs, and movement within the facility.

• Supervise recreational activities such as sports, calisthenics, games, crafts, etcetera.

• Provide supervision to residents, family and others during visitation.

• Supervise meal delivery to assigned living unit and participate in eating with the youth.

• Complete incident reports as necessary.  Maintain daily Com. Log and progress notes.

• Must communicate via regular meetings with counseling, treatment, education and medical staff, social service agencies and other professional staff.

• Deescalate residents utilizing proper Crisis Prevention Intervention protocol.

• Handle behavior problems on an emergency basis according to established procedures.

• Maintain living unit inventories.

• Ensure youth understand and follow all Youth Treatment Center rules and regulations.

• Follow program schedule on a daily basis.

• Report all maintenance and other equipment problems/needs to appropriate staff in a timely manner.

Other Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• May be required to provide assistance to other staff in a crisis situation.

• May be involved in facilitating group counseling, treatment, education and programs.

• May be required to work irregular hours, including expanded and rotating shifts for 24-hour coverage.

• Attend mandatory staff meetings and training as assigned.

• All other duties as assigned.

Language Skills:

• Requires the ability to read, write and present information both verbally and in writing on individual and group basis.

• Must write legibly.

Mathematical Skills:

• Requires the ability to perform basic arithmetic, including the ability to calculate percentages and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:         

• Requires the ability to exercise sound judgment, make informed decisions, apply common sense, carryout instructions and independently problem solve situations that arise and require immediate resolution.

Physical Demands:        

• Ability to walk (to include up and down multiple flights of stairs), stoop, bend, use hands, move objects, reach, push and pull on a regular basis.

• Ability to talk, hear and see both with distance vision and ability to focus on juveniles being supervised.

• Must be able to restrain and subdue a violent or uncooperative juvenile when required and assist others in doing so.

Work Environment:       

• Tasks may risk exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, communicable diseases or pathogenic substances.

Minimum Position Requirements:

Education/Training:                         Associate Degree in corrections, criminal justice, social services, or a closely related field.  Bachelor degree preferred.

Experience/Knowledge/Background:  At least one (1) year relevant work experience required; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience in Court or Juvenile Justice systems is highly desirable.

Skills:                                                Must possess basic computer/keyboarding skills. Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.

Appearance/Personality:                 Courtesy and a professional business demeanor and presentation are essential.  Due to the personally sensitive nature of information in this area, confidentiality is essential. Must have the ability to work well with a diverse group of people. Must be able to use awareness of cultural values and biases to work effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Special Requirements:                     Must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age; have a valid driver’s license; and submit to a pre-employment screening (including physical exam, psychological exam, TB screen, drug screen) criminal record check and in-depth reference check. In this position there is a high probability of experiencing situations that involve an elevated stress level while dealing with violent or uncooperative youth.