Youth Care Worker - Safe Haven Program

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13762134 The Role: The Youth Care Worker plays a vital role in our Safe Haven Emergency Foster Care Program, providing day-to-day support, supervision, and care for children entering foster placement on an emergency basis. This position ensures youth are safe, supported, and welcomed into a stable, trauma-informed environment during times of transition. Youth Care Workers model positive behavior, assist with daily routines, and collaborate with foster parents and staff to meet each childs individual needs. Responsibilities: - Provide direct supervision and care for youth placed in the Safe Haven Program. - Support children with daily routines including meals, schoolwork, recreation, hygiene, and bedtime. - Engage youth in therapeutic and recreational activities that promote social, emotional, and life skill development. - Build safe, trusting relationships with youth through empathy, consistency, and respectful communication. - Recognize potential crises and respond using trauma-informed care and agency-approved de-escalation techniques. - Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all children by maintaining vigilant supervision and following DCFS licensing standards. - Support sibling connections by assisting with family and sibling visitation as scheduled. - Document daily observations, incidents, and interactions in accordance with agency and DCFS requirements. - Collaborate with foster parents, supervisors, and program staff to coordinate care and implement individualized service plans. - Participate in required trainings, team meetings, and reflective supervision. - Perform other duties as assigned to support youth and program success.