Direct Care Staff

Job Summary

To be the primary caregiver of residents, who provides direct care and supervision, as well as facilitates activities and provides support services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervision, protection, and care of residents individually and in groups at all times
• Assistance to each resident in working with a group and in handling individual problems.
• Administration of discipline and setting of limits of behavior.
• Notation of resident’s progress; identification of the possible need for additional professional services; and communication of such findings to professional staff.
• Assistance with the provision of or access to core services and supports, daily activities, and emotional and social supports, as necessary.
• Administering medication, monitoring and storage of medications as required and performs minor first aid, as required.
• Transportation of residents to various appointments, outings and activities.
• Reporting to the Facility Manager and making recommendations to address identified problems.
• Any other duties that may be necessary to ensure the health and safety of residents in the facility.

· Abide by the policies, procedures, guidelines, and boundaries of Valley Teen Ranch for the care of each resident.

• Full fill periodic agency responsibilities which are assigned by management and not already part of this job description.

In-Service Education

All new staff are required to go through orientation and complete new hire training. This training is provided by the administrator or his delegate familiar with the topic by training and experience. In addition to the orientation training for new staff, all staff participates in required 40 hours/year of ongoing trainings.

Education and/or Experience & Background Check

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Direct Care staff shall meet one of the following requirements prior to employment:

· A Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree;

· A valid Child Development Teaching Permit:

· Completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth;

· A valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor, and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth;

· A valid Vocational Training certificate, credential or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth; or

· Previously been employed as a staff or volunteer at a group home or short-term residential therapeutic center for at least one year.

· Relevant life experience as determined by the department to meet any of the above requirements.

· Must undergo and pass a thorough background check

· No child abuse record or allegation.