YOUTH SPECIALIST

PROGRAM OUTCOMES RELATED TO THIS POSITION:

As a result of the supervision and support provided by the Youth Specialist, the youth assigned to his/her program will:

  • Make steady progress toward the achievement of their individual service plan goals;
  • Know they are valued and are worthy of respect;
  • Reside in a safe, healthy, clean and well maintained living environment;
  • Be held accountable for their actions in a constructive, positive manner; and
  • Be prepared for their discharge from the program and successful return to the community.

FUNDAMENTAL QUALITIES (The Essence of the Job):

Successful Youth Specialists must have the following characteristics:

Ability to Relate: Possess a caring and accepting attitude; have patience; enjoy being around and relating to kids, even when they are not at their best; show genuine interest in kids, their lives, views, and ideas; view youths’ shortcomings in their appropriate context and see their potential; respond to youths’ misbehavior with calmness and constructive action; and understand that the care and concern given to youth may not always be appreciated, but is given nonetheless.

Ability to Learn: Aspire to learn and grow both personally and professionally; seek out learning experiences; and effectively apply what is learned through study and on the job experience.

Team Focus: Be an effective team member and strive to help others understand the importance of team unity; hold self and other team members responsible for their individual and team assignments; and support team decisions and activities in ways that reinforce effective program practices.

WORK SCHEDULE: To meet licensing and other agency requirements, IYR must ensure it has proper staff-to-youth ratios 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Program employee work schedules are established to effectively meet the supervision and treatment needs of youth. The YS may be assigned to work one of three shifts, depending on the needs of the program. We have particular need for weekend and night staff.

TRAVEL: The YS may be required to attend occasional organizational meetings or training sessions that require overnight travel and that may last for several days.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Education & Experience. Must have at least a high school diploma, with a B.A. or B.S. degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university preferred. (The number of Youth Specialist positions allotted for non-degreed employees are limited to 25% of the total number of established Youth Specialist positions.)
  2. Driver’s License. Must have a valid Idaho driver’s license, or obtain one within 30 days of hire as a condition of continued employment.
  3. Certification. Must hold current certifications in first aid, CPR, physical/non-physical crisis intervention, or complete the requirements for these certifications within 90 days of hire.
  4. Physical Condition. Must be in good health as certified by a physician within 30 days of hire. Must have the physical ability to perform essential job duties and responsibilities.
  5. Other. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must not have a criminal record, or must obtain a criminal history clearance in accordance with Idaho Department of Health and Welfare licensing rules and IYR criminal history policies and procedures.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The Idaho Youth Ranch offers competitive salary & benefits. For a summary of those benefits, please click on the “Employee Benefits” tab.

INSTRUCTIONS

Fax letter of interest & resume to Hays Shelter Home (208) 322-3905, or e-mail Steve Fields at sfields@youthranch.org. The Idaho Youth Ranch is an Equal Opportunity Employer.