Youth Development Associate Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Your story.  Our mission.  A perfect match. 

You have a place at OhioGuidestone, the state's leader in behavioral health! OhioGuidestone is the state’s leader in community behavioral health care, serving around 26,000 Ohioans each year. 

OhioGuidestone’s residential Campus provides out-of-home care for boys and girls with complex trauma, mental health needs, academic struggles, and severe emotional and behavioral concerns, which prevent them from living safely at home. OhioGuidestone staff work with in tandem with placing agencies and caregivers to transition youth back into permanent living situations.

We currently have an opening for a part-time Youth Care Specialist working 1st shift on Saturdays and Sundays.

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrate the values and guiding principles of OhioGuidestone every day, performing with the highest standards of excellence, integrity and ethics.
• Works as an integral member of the Residential Treatment team by building and maintaining strong nurturing relationships with the residents and staff of the Youth Residential Treatment Center through clear communication and decision-making.
• Observe professional boundaries with residents at all times.
• Supervises residents in their care assuring that a safe, supportive space and therapeutic environment is maintained, during assigned shift (1st, 2nd, 3rd).
• Handle emergency situations such as environmental, weather related or physical injury.
• Execute activities that promote social skills and personal growth.
• Provide crisis intervention to residents according to residential treatment center policies and procedures.
• Develop and consistently maintain structured routines for youth residents’ daily functioning, including wake-up, hygiene, meals, activities and bedtime.
• Organize and implement activities and educational groups to promote growth in areas of social skill building, and physical, emotional and mental development, according to treatment plans.
• Understand the emotional, psychological, and physical impact of trauma.
• Participate in weekly supervision with the Program Manager to ensure proper care for residents.
• Complete all required documentation, which could be electronic or paper. As follows: Client incident reports (CIR’s), daily logs, night logs, communication logs, USDA logs and any other required documentation to ensure proper care.
• Complete all required training prior to deadline, both in person and online through the agency’s learning management system.
• Correctly utilize physical techniques as instructed by the agency approved behavioral safety system.
• Maintain active status in all required certifications and training courses.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• May be involved in the planning, organization, and implementation of special events or department specific projects or seasonal program changes.
• Exhibit positivity, flexibility and a willingness to take on new responsibilities as requested or required.
• Demonstrate positive leadership, promote a team-based work environment and a culture of belonging.
• Present the Agency in the most positive light with all internal and external contacts.

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required. Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Mental Health, Social Work, Criminal Justice Youth Development or a related field is preferred.
• Crisis intervention training or experience highly recommended.
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and psychology desired.
• Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care preferred.
• Must have 1+ years’ experience working with high risk/at risk youth, corrections or mental health population required. 

Qualifications:

• Mission driven; strong desire to make an impact.
• Work is performed in a residential cottage and wherever residents go on the surrounding campus and in the community.
• The ability to physically restrain residents whose ages, heights and weights vary according to agency approved behavioral safety system.
• Effective interpersonal skills; able to speak effectively with individuals and/or groups of people.
• Ability to customarily and regularly exercise discretion and good professional judgment.
• Flexible; able to workdays, evenings, holidays and/or weekends, as desired to meet the needs of clients.
• Strong organizational skills: able to handle multiple priorities with strict attention to detail and perform work independently.
• Ability to maintain relevant, timely documentation as required.
• Effective computer literacy skills, including Windows applications, Microsoft Office Suite, and electronic health records, etc.
• Must be able to access work locations, offices, and homes as necessary, which may include ascending/descending stairs.
• Possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License with a safe driving record and valid insurance.
• Successfully meet pre-employment drug screen, physical, TB and background requirements.

What We Offer: 

• Stable non-profit organization with 160+ year track record!  
• Clear career ladder for development path in various roles 
• Opportunity to earn monthly $$$ bonus (select clinical/therapist and BHS roles only) 
• Competitive medical benefits includinga low-premium medical plan option for employee or employee + children! 
• Free CEU trainings 
• 10 paid holidays (some are exchangeable) 
• Flexible work schedules to support work/life balance 
• Flexible work opportunities to support varying career paths, job roles, intern to hire, and locations 
• 401(k) with employer match option 
• Employment Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Mileage reimbursement 
• Free licensure supervision 
• Recognition and rewards