Old Colony YMCA STRIVE Program

Old Colony YMCA in collaboration with The Department of Youth services is seeking dedicated and motivated individuals to fill the essential role of Youth Care Advocate (YCA). Selected candidates will work with juvenile justice-involved youth and young adults (most are 16-20 years old) in a 24-hour a-day / 7-day-a-week locked residential facility. In this team-led environment, you will ensure the safety and security of the youth while offering the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and life skills needed to become responsible and independent adults.

The YCA’s are the front-line direct care staff ensuring the safety and security of youth committed to the care and custody of the Department. Selected candidates would receive classroom and on-the-job training to ensure they successfully work in this fast-paced, ever-changing environment. YCA’s will observe the conduct and behavior of youth and take appropriate action as trained to prevent disturbances, assaults, or self-harm. They will ensure the safety of staff and youth and ensure compliance with established policies, regulations, and procedures. YCA’s will also act as a positive role model and advocate for youth working towards re-entry into the community.

Through our highly accredited training academy, you will be trained in the core principles of juvenile justice rehabilitation, safety, and security. As a Juvenile Justice residential team member, you will have the opportunity to positively influence a young person’s life and develop the necessary skills for professional development and growth.

Observe—Monitor the conduct and behavior of youth and take appropriate action as trained to prevent disturbances or self-harm and ensure the safety of staff and youth in compliance with established policies, regulations, and procedures.

Collaborate as part of a team—Oversee, supervise, and provide advocacy, guidance, encouragement, and support to the youth in their daily activities, which include classrooms and afternoon leisure/sports, mealtime, hygiene, and clinical sessions.

Serve as a role model—Assist youth in developing coping, social, and life skills while providing guidance and support through daily interactions to facilitate their re-entry into the community.

Maintain a safe and secure environment- Complete required program security measures, including but not limited to supervision rounds, head counts, indoor and outdoor security checks, and searches of youth and visitors.

Program/Department Responsibilities

• Implement all security procedures of the YMCA and program as outlined in the Operations Manual.
• Supervise and monitor all residents in all phases of daily activities and nightly routines. Implement and supervise recreational activities.
• Conduct thorough intake and discharge procedures (including all paperwork and careful storage and labeling of resident’s belongings and valuables.
• Keep accurate log entries, van mileage, incident reports, meal count sheets, clinical reports, security sheets, prior to completion of shift.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled meetings and trainings, as directed. Prevent crisis situations from escalating by intervening and counseling clients.
• Provide support and assistance in any crisis situation including physical restraint of client and remaining at the unit until the situation is resolved.
• Complete advocacy responsibilities including documentation for assigned residents.
• Report any suspected child abuse to Assistant Shift Supervisor/Shift Administrator.
• Supervise and assist in meal preparation, laundry, and chores.
• Complete supply inventories upon request.
• Maintain work schedule as directed.
• Maintain good driving record.
• Receive permission from Shift Supervisor or designee prior to leaving the unit to ensure proper staff coverage.
• Provide professional and courteous telephone service to all contacts (courts, DSS, DYS parents, and others)
• To assist the Assistant Shift Supervisor in orientation of volunteers, interns, and new employees.
• Inspect all of the equipment and document on the unit security sheet.
• Supervise residents’ follow-through on their chore assignments and that floors, walls, bathroom/shower areas, program equipment, etc. are kept clean and sanitary.
• Clean staff bathroom and room.

Education/Experience/Physical Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent work related experience with adolescents preferred.
• Capable of consistently and successfully dealing with clients with severe, emotional and behavioral problems
• Must have visual and auditory acuity in order to maintain security of the program
• Must be able to drive clients in the community as needed by the program.

Benefit Conditions:

• Waiting period may apply

Pay Frequency:

• Bi weekly or Twice monthly

This Job Is:

• A “Fair Chance” job (you or the employer follow Fair Chance hiring practices when performing background checks)
• A good fit for applicants with gaps in their resume, or who have been out of the workforce for the past 6 months or more
• A job for which all ages, including older job seekers, are encouraged to apply
• Open to applicants who do not have a college diploma

Work Remotely

• No

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Ability to Commute:

• Lowell, MA 01854 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lowell, MA 01854: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person