Youth Worker

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois

What We Do

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois improves the well-being of people across the state by protecting children, strengthening families and building futures for those who have experienced trauma. We do this as a leading provider of a variety of child welfare services. LCFS is a welcoming organization serving children, individuals, families and communities of all faiths, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender expressions and gender-identifications.

Who We Are

• Champions in supporting children, youth and families throughout Illinois so they are able to reach their full potential.
• Dynamic and innovative leadership who believe in collaboration with their team of professionals and are revolutionizing the impact on services to families.
• A community which embraces and is committed to being WIDE (welcoming, inclusive, diverse and equitable).
• Impacting the child welfare community by addressing institutional racism and implicit bias to increase positive outcomes for children and families of color.
• Creating a culture focused on supporting families and ensuring all children find safe, loving permanent homes, particularly by reuniting them with their families.
  
  
  

Join the professional team by providing excellent services to children and youth!

*Applicants must have a Valid Drivers License that has not been suspended within the last three years and valid auto insurance*

Youth Worker- Southern Thirty Adolescent Center Mt. Vernon

Job Responsibilities:

• Provides supervision, behavioral management, and well-being of all residents during daily activities including but not limited to: bedtime
• wake-ups, showers, meals, recreation, classroom work, and assigned work projects.
• Evaluates residents continually, recording all behavior changes and incidents (UIR’s and SO’s) as required by STAC.
• Reviews all youth’s admission notes and initiates a relationship with each youth. Is aware of youth’s whereabouts and begins to learn individual problems, behaviors, and needs.
• Develops awareness of normal and abnormal behaviors and is aware of youth’s treatment plan.
• Develops an understanding of each youth and treats each youth as an individual.
• Learns Program Plan, Rule 384, Resident Manual and Agency standards. Sets expectations for youth and develops disciplinary techniques.
• Participates in recreation activities with individual youth and groups.
• Facilitates behavior modification programs as assigned.
• Assists the Recreation Coordinator with structuring residents’ free time, including organizing and facilitating group activities such as sports, games, movies, and conversation.
• Supervises and assists residents with performing daily cleaning and custodial duties to assure proper cleanliness and organization of assigned unit.
• Receives and processes new residents, including logging personal property, assisting with showers and personal hygiene, providing orientation to
• the program and explaining all rules and regulations.
• Responds to problems and emergencies, such as rule infractions, conflicts between residents, attempted runaways, and illnesses; takes appropriate action and/or disciplines residents as appropriate.
• Inspects and oversees contraband control procedures and records all personal possessions.
• Occasionally transports residents to and from activities, appointments, court hearings, etc. as assigned.
• Assists with food preparation and service.
• Becomes aware of the various team members and their specific assigned roles. Seeks to develop a relationship with each member of the team. Learns the importance of team work.
• Understands the importance of effective communication through documentation through log recordings.
• Attends and participates in various meetings and in-house trainings as required.
• Reviews required materials provided by supervisor or other Agency staff.
• Understands the routine of STAC and works with the youth to follow the guidelines and rules.
• Involves youth in housekeeping responsibilities and daily chores.
• Identifies signs of illness and injuries and begins to develop awareness of each youth with regard to physical health. Requests help if in doubt about youth’s health. Follows medical directives.
• Becomes aware of the value of positive leadership.
• Supports educational goals and provides direct assistance to school as needed. Develops an understanding of youth’s educational needs and problems.
• Becomes aware of any existing maintenance problems in the building, vehicles, and or grounds and conveys concerns in writing to the Maintenance or Office Supervisor.
• Develops and understanding of Agency policies and procedures.
• Communicates concerns, observations and questions to supervisor; seeks help from supervisor if problems develop in relationships.
• Accurately performs therapeutic crisis intervention physical restraints.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Educational/Experience Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

PHYSICAL AND SPECIAL DEMANDS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily.

Performs duties in staff secured facility with frequent exposure to strenuous physical effort in the form of physically restraining. Worker is frequently exposed to emotionally and behaviorally disturbed adolescents. Alertness and awareness are required at all times to prevent runaways and potential harm to self, co-workers and residents. Must be able to perform therapeutic crisis intervention physical restraints. A physical exam is required by DCFS.

LCFS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.