Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of youth? Southwest Key Programs in Phoenix, Arizona is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Youth Care Workers. This vital role offers the opportunity to provide direct care and supervision to young people in a supportive and structured environment, helping them learn, grow, and thrive.
As a Youth Care Worker at Southwest Key Programs, you will play a crucial role in fostering a safe and nurturing atmosphere where youth can develop essential life skills and receive the guidance they need. This position requires flexibility, organization, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of young people.
Key Responsibilities of a Southwest Key Programs Youth Care Worker
This multifaceted role encompasses a range of responsibilities, all centered around providing comprehensive care and support to youth in our programs. Your daily tasks will be dynamic and rewarding, contributing directly to the positive development of the young people under your care.
Intake and Initial Support
From the moment a youth arrives at Southwest Key Programs, you will be there to provide a welcoming and supportive introduction. This includes conducting intake services, which involves completing necessary paperwork to ensure proper documentation and compliance. You will also be responsible for providing youth with a clear overview of our program services, helping them understand what to expect and how we can support them during their time with us. A crucial first step is assisting with the initial placement of youth within the shelter, making them feel comfortable and secure in their new environment. Providing basic necessities is also a key part of this initial phase, ensuring youth have access to meals, appropriate clothing, hygiene products, and comfortable bedroom assignments right from the start.
Direct Supervision and Care
The core of the Youth Care Worker role is providing direct care services. This means maintaining continuous supervision of youth to ensure their safety and well-being, always adhering to state and federal regulations regarding staff-to-youth ratios and appropriate supervision levels. Building positive and trusting relationships with youth is paramount. As a Youth Care Worker, you will serve as a positive role model, creating a safe, caring, and respectful environment where young people feel supported and understood.
Program Compliance and Documentation
Accuracy and attention to detail are essential in this role. You will be responsible for ensuring that all required forms are completed accurately and that all client services are meticulously documented in Southwest Key Programs’ web-based system, ETO (Efforts to Outcomes). This diligent record-keeping is vital for maintaining compliance with both state and federal requirements and for ensuring the highest quality of care for each youth.
Enrichment Activities and Skill Development
Beyond basic care, Youth Care Workers contribute to the holistic development of youth through engaging and enriching activities. You will assist in the planning and coordination of a variety of special events. These can include educational events like spelling bees and science fairs, acculturation activities that celebrate diverse cultures (such as Cesar Chavez Day, Thanksgiving, Chinese New Year, Holi-Festival of Colors, and 16th of September), and educational outings to places like museums. Recreational outings, such as trips to the movies, parks, or amusement parks, are also organized to provide fun and positive experiences. Furthermore, you may be involved in coordinating student council activities and other meaningful experiences that promote volunteerism and learning, broadening the horizons of the youth in our care. Providing vocational courses and curriculum in subjects approved by the Program Director is another way Youth Care Workers contribute to skill development, introducing youth to various career paths and helping them explore their interests. Assisting with physical education instruction and other large muscle activities, as directed by the Program Director, is also part of promoting the overall well-being of the youth.
Safety and Emergency Response
Ensuring the safety of the youth is always a top priority. Youth Care Workers must be prepared to assist in the evacuation of youth should the need arise due to various emergency situations, such as inclement weather, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events. Observing, reporting, and documenting youth behavior is also a critical safety component. This includes identifying behavior patterns and documenting required information such as elevated supervision needs, close observations, food intake, sleep patterns, and bed checks. This detailed observation and documentation helps ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
Childcare Duties (if applicable)
In programs that serve a broader age range (from infants to 17 years old), Youth Care Workers may be asked to assist in a childcare setting, tending to infants and toddlers. These duties can include a variety of tasks such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and actively supervising toddlers during playtime. This aspect of the role requires patience, nurturing skills, and a genuine love for working with young children.
Qualifications and Skills
To excel as a Youth Care Worker at Southwest Key Programs, you should possess a combination of personal qualities and practical skills. These include:
- Compassion and Empathy: A genuine desire to help and support young people from diverse backgrounds.
- Patience and Understanding: The ability to remain calm and patient in challenging situations.
- Strong Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with youth and colleagues.
- Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and adhere to schedules.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to work a flexible schedule and adapt to changing situations.
- Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Role Model Behavior: Demonstrate responsible and ethical behavior at all times.
Join Southwest Key Programs and Make a Difference
If you are seeking a rewarding career where you can directly impact the lives of youth and contribute to a positive and supportive community, we encourage you to apply for the Youth Care Worker position at Southwest Key Programs in Phoenix, Arizona. This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people and help them build brighter futures.
