Engagement Specialist - On Call - Swing, Grave & Overnight Shifts (3038)

Engagement Specialist – On Call
This is a bargaining unit position represented by the OPEIU.  All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is On-Call, part-time, and non-exempt. Work schedules will vary and may include days, weekends, swing-shift, grave-shift, and holidays depending on program need.  Shift Coverage Needed: Swing shifts are 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Grave shift hours are 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 12.5-hour Overnight shift hours are (7:45 p.m. – 8:15 a.m.).  On-Calls receive an additional $1.75 per hour pay differential in lieu of benefits.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Program Manager or Program Supervisor, the On-Call Overnight Engagement Specialist is responsible for overnight site coverage and the safe, compliant operation of the program location. Housing programs operate 24/7 in accordance with agency licensing and DCYF requirements. This role provides active overnight supervision, conducts required periodic safety checks, completes required logs and documentation, and responds to incidents and urgent youth needs in accordance with program policy and mandatory reporting requirements. Programs must always maintain safe staff-to-client ratios. During overnight hours, the Engagement Specialist maintains a structured, trauma-informed, and youth-centered environment that promotes safety, stability, accountability, and progress toward self-sufficiency, and works independently while maintaining policy and documentation standards.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide on-site supervision, while maintaining professional boundaries in providing crisis intervention to residents. Must be able to apply positive behavior modification techniques and model effective de-escalation and problem-solving skills.
• Act as a professional representative of YouthCare and maintain a professional working environment (office, personal workspace, agency vehicle, etc.).
• Maintains a flexible work schedule (filling shifts on some weekends, early and/or late hours) and must be willing to be cross-trained in providing support with shift coverage in On-Call basis for the program and the agency, as required by individual program needs.
• With direction from Manager or Supervisor, help plan for, direct and/or provide support for recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities that are in alignment with treatment and permanency goals.
• Instruct and assist youth in self-care skills/tasks, including personal care and preparing food for meals and snacks in accordance with posted menus. May be required to assist in packing client belongings and cleaning and sanitizing of exited bedrooms.
• Depending on program needs, at designated times, prepare and cook meals for up to 50 clients.
• Attend and fully participate in training sessions as required (a minimum of six in-service or equivalent training sessions per year).
• Oversee the safety and cleanliness of the facility, including the restrooms, laundry room, the community room, and adjoining deck. Perform light janitorial work, including vacuuming carpets; taking out trash; sweeping/mopping floors; and similar tasks. Compile maintenance requests and submit them to Program Manager or Program Supervisor as needed. 
• May need to dispense medication, and complete related documentation. May need to perform weekly medical reconciliation and update med binder forms and complete all required documentation according to individual program procedures and timelines.
• Complete incident reports on any facility damage, medical emergencies or any incident which occurs out of the ordinary daily functioning of the house.
• Reliably attend and participate in training and development as needed for your role and the needs of our Agency as a whole such as program requirements, DEI&J, supervision, and others as identified.
• Contribute to our DEI&J culture by creating at least one SMART Goal related to DEI&J within your control to deliver.

This job description is not intended to cover every aspect of your job at YouthCare. We are a team that works together to meet the needs of our clients, and every member of the team is expected to pitch in and help even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.

QUALIFICATIONS –
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:      

• 1 year of experience successfully working with children or young adults. 
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience and credentials must comply with program contractual requirements, including but not limited to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) background clearance process and must be at least 21 years of age.  DCYF Clearance must be maintained for entirety of employment when working with under-18 clients.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: 

• Course work, experience, or training in child or human development, chemical dependency, mental illness, group dynamics, residential treatment, or related experience highly preferred.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

• Must be able to provide I-9 supporting documentation for employment.
• Ability to provide a negative TB Test (results must be within one year of hire date).
• Employees who drive YouthCare vehicles as a requirement for their position must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License, meet minimum safe driver criteria established by the agency and our insurance company which includes completion of driving certification courses. Drivers under the age of 25 must have been licensed for at least 3 years and those operating vehicles with a capacity of 15 or more passengers must be at least 25 years old.
• Successful completion of pre-service training courses as required by contracting agencies. Training such as CPR & First Aid (Adult/Child), Bloodborne Pathogens, and Behavior Management. 
• Computer software skills including Windows, Microsoft outlook, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Initiative, creativity, reliability, flexibility, thoroughness
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with good quality spelling, grammar, and punctuation in English. 
• High integrity when dealing with a broad array of cultures and restricted and/or confidential information.
• Ability to deal therapeutically with behavioral and emotional problems presented by youth and understanding of emotionally, physically, and sexually abused youth.
• Ability to coordinate overall program functioning.
• Ability to accurately maintain and produce files, records, logs and reports. 
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients while building trust and respect.
• Ability and willingness to stay awake and alert during overnight shifts.
• Ability to verbally and physically respond to an aggressive person in ways that de-escalate, establish and maintain staff and youth safety.
• May be required to assume responsibilities or duties within the agency not specifically delineated in this job description for short periods of time or on an infrequent basis.
• Commitment to YouthCare’s initiative to build cultural proficiency across the agency. Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices.

PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Ability to perform a range of physical motions, exerting up to 50 pounds. Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, and stooping; running for brief periods of time; and go up and down stairs.