Youth Care Specialist I

This is the first level of work providing custodial supervision of youths to ensure the enforcement/implementation of rules and regulations affecting the care and security of youths.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Oversees and assumes an active, participatory role in the daily activities of an assigned group of youth including recreation, education, rehabilitation and treatment activities, meals, personal hygiene, and maintaining living quarters. 
• Observes youth's behavior and adjustment to programs and exchanges written and oral reports on those observations with other staff daily. 
• Establishes and maintains interpersonal relationships with youth to encourage and assist with their social adjustment.
• Interprets and teaches facility procedures, rules, and disciplinary policies to youths. 
• Implements facility security procedures including performing regular unit, room, and grounds checks; conducting community/home visits; and ensuring frequent observations and monitoring of high-risk youths.
• Assists in the handling of serious disturbances and monitors incoming and outgoing visitors to the facility.
• Escorts youths to activities and appointments inside or outside of the facility and is responsible for their supervision and conduct in all settings.  Operates motor vehicle when necessary to transport youths to activities and appointments. 
• Prepares, maintains, and contributes to a variety of records and reports to document information relating to youth including, but not limited to, behavior management, treatment plans, progress notes, population reports, and inventories.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Youth Care Specialist I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. At least 21 years of age.
3. Knowledge of behavior management such as understanding, explaining, describing and predicting behavior, studying the connection between behavior and its causes and identifying appropriate behavior modification strategies for individual situations.
4. Knowledge of supervising youth by overseeing daily activities such as recreation, treatment activities, meals, self-care, transportation or education.
5. Knowledge of narrative report writing.
6. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

Pre-employment Drug Testing:  Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.

Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.  The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.  This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.