Minimal Qualifications: A minimum of three years of experience with children of a similar age to the youth population served in the program. High school diploma or GED/HSED required. Youth Care Worker will meet all the WCS employee requirements including reference, criminal background, and driver's license checks.

Work Relationship and Scope: Reports directly to the Youth Shelter Care Supervisor, who reports to the Assistant Program Director and Program Director. Has contact with a wide variety of individuals including youth and family members, other program staff, vendors, and other collateral contacts, neighbors, Milwaukee County Division of Youth and Families (DYFS), Children's Court officials, school and administrators, staff of youth serving agencies and the general public.

Personal Attributes: Follow agency Code of Conduct and Leadership Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, clients and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of positive child/youth development; patience and understanding of difficult life situations; the ability to interact with escalating youth and/or parents in a calm and professional manner; ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations; perform basic computer functions; uses time efficiently and effectively; ability to multi-task; sensitivity towards cultural, ethnic and disability issues.

Working Conditions:

* State-Licensed Shelter Care Facility

* Most of the work is done throughout the building, in the community and in some cases, the home of a client.

* Local travel as required fulfilling essential functions of the position.

* Ability to provide coverage as needed.

* Ability to manage young clients who have experienced a great deal of trauma and express trauma through behaviors.

Physical Demands: Duties require possible activity while monitoring or interacting with youth in the program. Staff may be required to use physical intervention in extremely rare situations if there is immediate physical harm posed to youth, staff, or visitors. Ability to lift 30 pounds. Driving is required.


pm21