YOUTH SPECIALIST I

DEFINITION

This is trainee-level work in a treatment program for delinquent youth committed to the custody of the Missouri Division of Youth Services.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Serves as a youth supervisor with responsibility for the safety, personal conduct, care, and therapy of the youth during a shift.

Receives on-the-job and basic in-service training in the various methodologies used in the residential and community service treatment programs.

Provides client supervision; implements group and individual treatment plans.

Maintains security in buildings, grounds, and other posts; intervenes during emergencies or altercations to prevent escapes and gain physical control of youth.

Supervises movement of youth inside and outside the facility; takes periodic counts of youth.

Supervises youth in residential/day treatment facilities in the performance of work activities and during recreational and religious activities; conducts inspections for health and safety hazards.

Interacts critically and constructively with other staff members to develop and implement successful treatment techniques.

Develops effective relationships with youth, co-workers, and treatment team members.

Assists youth with their personal issues and refers issues to the group in accordance with the principles of the program.

Observes and keeps staff informed daily of significant behavioral conditions known about an individual and/or the group.

Assists in preparing reports regarding each client's adjustment and progress.

Assists in maintenance of client records.

Assists in supervising client work assignments or recreational activities.

Provides information regarding youths' progress to visiting parents or guardians as requested.

Assists in the oversight of an outdoor program, instructs youth in outdoor skills, and evaluates the application of such skills in scheduled activities.

Escorts and/or transports youth to predetermined locations.

Assists with dispensing medications, ordinarily self-administered, when specifically ordered by a physician.

May be assigned to follow educational plans on a "substitute teacher" basis for limited periods under close supervision.

Receives close supervision from a designated supervisor and/or guidance from senior staff.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Introductory knowledge of individual and group behavior.

Introductory knowledge of child development and the role of the family.

Introductory knowledge of the causes of juvenile delinquency and current methods of juvenile offender treatment.

Introductory knowledge of the general techniques of communicating with and counseling adolescents.

Ability to work with youth in an empathetic and understanding manner.

Ability to foster the cooperation of the client in the treatment process.

Ability to communicate effectively with youth and to explain the progress of the client to their family members and other treatment staff.

Ability to remain alert, observant, and physically able to respond appropriately to work situations or emergencies including, but not limited to, physical restraint of clients.

Ability to intervene and correct behavior and facilitate group discussions and activities.

Ability to learn verbal and physical crisis intervention/de-escalation techniques and emergency treatment procedures.

Ability to learn outdoor program activities.

Ability to accept and adapt to changes in assignments, methods, policies, etc.

Ability to transport youth and travel as necessary.

Ability to work a variety of shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid vehicle operator's license.

Ability to pass a background investigation administered by the Missouri Division of Youth Services.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (by assignment)

Possession of, or proof of ability to secure, an appropriate teaching certificate from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

Sixty or more earned credit hours or an Associate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of six earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work.

OR

Two or more years of experience in group work which involved direct care and interaction with children (7-17 years of age) such as YMCA, schools, recreational facilities, or residential care programs, and possession of a high school diploma or GED certificate.

(Earned credit hours from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience at a rate of 30 earned credit hours for one year.)

(Revised 3/1/07)