Youth Care Worker aka Mental Health Specialist

Lake Villa IL, North Chicago IL, Benet Lake, WI

Job Summary
Allendale Association, a Child Welfare, Mental Health and Special Education facility, is seeking a full time Youth Care Worker aka Mental Health Specialist to work actively within the unit/cottage to implement individual and group programs through the care, supervision, monitoring and direction of the residents encompassing activities related to residents’ health, education and welfare as well as care for the physical environment and maintain appropriate records.

Job Responsibilities

• Provides general direction and supervision to residents within the unit/cottage, including one-on-one attention to assigned residents, in accordance with the individual unit/cottage programs.  This includes ability to physically restrain acting out residents per safety and behavior management standards.
• Participates with residents in cottage recreational activities, as well as other planned recreational programs.
• Directly supervise residents in performance of daily chores and personal hygiene practices; administering medications and following medical procedures for residents as directed by the Health Services Manager.
• Works collegially with recreation staff, school staff and others within the treatment team to ensure quality of care for unit/cottage residents
• Participates in unit/cottage team meetings; attends appropriate staffings and other meetings related to residents, as needed.
• Documents shift activities and maintains appropriate records including all data needed for medicaid billing. Completes appropriate forms and paperwork.  Maintains and updates hard copy and/or computerized files/records.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Why work for Allendale?

• Our staff get the chance to:
  • Receive outstanding trauma-informed training
  • Be a part of a strong and clinically-minded team
  • Challenge themselves daily
  • Enjoy great benefits
• Working at Allendale can lead to:
  • Growing within the agency – the majority of our supervisors, directors and VP’s grew from within Allendale!
  • Gaining in-depth experience in the field and learn skills that will contribute to any other job

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field OR 5 years of equivalent experience.
• First Aid/CPR certified within 90 days of employment.
• Per DCFS regulations, candidate must be 21 years of age and have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Related experience in the field of social services and/or mental health desired.

ALLENDALE ASSOCIATION
ATTN: HR Dept.
P.O. Box 1088
Lake Villa, IL 60046
FAX: (847) 356-0290
www.allendale4kids.org
AA/EEO