Scholarship Program Staff Assistant/Youth Care Worker

Scholarship Program Staff Assistant/Youth Care Worker
FSLA - Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Reports to Program Manager
Pensacola, FL

Position Summary:
The Higher Education Program Staff Assistant/Youth Care Worker works closely with the Higher Education Program Manager to provide a wide range of standard clerical and office support functions, as well as providing a supportive living environment conducive to the academic and personal growth of students.

The Higher Education Program Staff Assistant/Youth Care Worker will be required to spend the night in the Higher Education Home with students to provide supervision and assistance as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively with the Higher Education Program Manager to ensure a living environment that endorses respect and concern for others and is conducive to studying and academic achievement.
• Works collaboratively with the Higher Education Program Manager to facilitate group home meetings, inspections, coordinate transportation needs, and facilitate a comfortable environment for study and general living.
• Compiles required information and data to adequately prepare required reports and/or documents for the Higher Education Program.
• Maintains orderly and systematic office files and assures accuracy of reports, records, and files. Creates new files as needed.
• Prepares letters, reports, purchase orders, and other general items as needed.
• Answers the telephone politely and professionally. Relays telephone messages accurately to the recipient promptly.
• Sorts and distributes incoming mail and prepares outgoing mail for pick-up.
• Orders all office supplies and materials promptly and with supervisory approval.
• Schedules appointments and makes travel arrangements when requested by supervisor.
• Provides nutritionally balanced dinner meals that are prepared throughout the week, and nutritionally balanced lunch meals are prepared on weekends. Ensures that healthy food items are available.
• Follows relevant safety practices and procedures (universal precautions).
• Communicates regularly with students in a culturally sensitive manner to become acquainted with them, their personal backgrounds, special interests, needs, and academic goals.
• Provides appropriate and consistent supervision of students and demonstrates the ability to administer consequences to students that are appropriate and consistent.
• As needed, mediates student disputes and disagreements with guidance from the Higher Education Program Manager as required.
• Provides praise and positive feedback, when appropriate, builds self-confidence and the self-esteem of students.
• Handles stressful situations and emergencies in a calm, professional manner.
• Maintains training requirements related to the job, including non-medical human subjects training to assist with Scholar Surveys.
• Adheres to all UMCH policies and procedures.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and abides by all HIPAA regulations.
• Works additional hours as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent certification (GED), Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of general office experience required.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Proficiency in computer use, word processing, and spreadsheet software required.
• Previous experience as a resident assistant and/or experience in foster or alternative care settings preferred.
• Previous paid experience cooking/preparing meals is desired.
• Using the English language requires excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills that allow for professional interaction with families, staff, stakeholders, and the general public.
• Must have a valid driver’s license from the state of residence.
• Must have reliable transportation, proof of automobile liability insurance, and a driving record that will allow coverage on the Agency’s insurance policy.
• Must receive a satisfactory background check that includes a check of employment and personal references, criminal history, driving record, Child Abuse and Neglect, professional reference, criminal history, driving record, and pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen.

• Physical Requirements:
• Vision: Must be able to drive, read reports, observe conditions related to work, view a computer screen, etc.
• Cognitive: Must be able to think independently, logically, and problem solve.
• Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with co-workers, employees, families, and the general public.
• Standing/Walking/Mobility: Must be able to stand to open files and operate office machines, mobility to drive, get in and out of private homes as well as the work area, and some standing for prolonged periods. Normal coordination, including eye-hand and hand-foot.
• Climbing/Stooping, Kneeling: Must be able to stoop and kneel as needed to file, retrieve documents, assist families, and perform CPR and First Aid, etc.
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift and carry up case files, laptop, which may weigh up to 20 pounds.
• Manual Dexterity: Must be able to write, type, use the telephone system, file, drive, etc.

About United Methodist Children's Home:

As followers of Christ, our passion for serving is motivated by compassion and a calling to provide homes, healing, and hope. We strive to be there for individuals who need someone to care for them when those closest to them can’t adequately provide that care. Those we serve experience hardships no one should have to face, including neglect, abuse, and abandonment. We nurture these vulnerable individuals by embracing them, meeting them where they are, and loving them unconditionally. We’re not only providing them with homes, we’re giving them a system of support and care to help them flourish. While faith is the core of our mission, we are driven by a desire to nurture, support, and prepare individuals for productive, thriving futures. We believe we can break what often becomes a cycle of neglect and circumstance for many vulnerable children and families. Our caring and compassionate team works to change the trajectory of the lives of those we serve in our homes and our programs are centered around family preservation, foster care, and school readiness.