Youth Care Specialist (HOME Team)

This job was posted by https://www.kansasworks.com : For more information, please see: https://www.kansasworks.com/jobs/13679552 Pyxis's strength starts with our people. Every member of our team meets or exceeds the education, experience, and licensure standards for their role because the youth and families we serve deserve nothing less. We invest the majority of our resources directly into our programs, because we know that experienced, well-trained staff are the foundation of great direct service. Our program managers and employees are empowered to focus on what matters most: delivering best-practice care, meeting the needs of those we serve, and achieving real, positive outcomes. Position Summary: The Youth Care Specialist (HOME Team) provides care, supervision, and mentorship to youth in the foster care system in community-based and residential settings.\ Acting as a compassionate role model, the staff fosters a safe, structured, and supportive environment that promotes self-awareness, personal\ growth, and successful transition. Duties vary slightly depending on day or night shift assignment. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES: General Responsibilities (All Shifts): - Support youth in managing challenging behaviors and emotions while maintaining communication with shift leads and program managers. - Maintain a safe, supportive environment and model positive behavior. - Engage youth in activities and mentorship to promote growth, emotional regulation, and success. - Complete documentation, reports, and required records accurately and on time. - Enforce organizational policies, including maintaining strict professional boundaries and participate in required training. Day Shift Responsibilities: - Supervise youth during activities, free time, and transportation to/from community sites. - Facilitate hygiene routines, prepare meals and maintain clean, sanitary facilities/homes. - Build positive mentoring relationships to support youth development and community reintegration. - Night Shift Responsibilities: - Monitor and engage youth overnight, including bedtime routines, emergencies, and behavioral incidents. - Maintain a calm, safe environment, including light housekeeping and meal/snack preparation as needed. - Ensure continuous awake supervision and participant safety throughout the night. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS - Transport participants and participate in outdoor activities as needed. May require outside work in hot and/or cold weather. - Must be able to participate alongside the participants in the assigned community setting. - Supervise participants continuously for up to 10 hours; ability to work with no off-site breaks. - Respond to emergencies and assist with light housekeeping, meals, and facility upkeep. - No smoking while on duty (per DCF regulations). HOW YOU WILL SPEND YOUR TIME - 75% Direct client services (including but not limited to community outings, meal preparation, drive time, chores, etc.) - 10% Completion of required documentation - 10% Crisis assistance - 5% Meeting participation and trainings