Residential Children & Youth Care Professional

Since 1975, Shelter Youth and Family Services has been a leader in Chicagoland for providing the emotional and physical care, programs, and services that children need to build safer, healthier, and brighter futures. We are the only agency in the state of Illinois to provide fully comprehensive and community-based services for children and families at risk and in need. Our programs include emergency housing, transitional living, foster care, home visiting, and clinical support services. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Shelter Youth and Family Services is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities. We actively strive to create an environment that supports all employees, placing value in contributions from people from diverse backgrounds, and honoring all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities. Our mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and transform communities. Joining us in this role will give you a chance to help fulfill that mission and help the community. Shelter Youth and Family Services is a smoke free and drug free workplace.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. At Shelter, Inc., we offer sixteen (16) paid holidays for full time employees and employees who work on the holiday. In addition, we offer floating holidays to recognize the religious and cultural needs and the diverse background of our employees.

Work is performed primarily in the assigned facility, and occasionally transporting clients in vehicles, meeting rooms both in the facility and at other agency sites. Shelter, Inc.'s Emergency Group Homes (Buckholz Group Home in Palatine and Jennings Home in Schaumburg) serve youth ages 11-17 who are in need of housing and support due to experiencing crises such as abuse, neglect, homelessness, runaway, and/or family conflict. Youth stay in our programs anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, or longer-term as needed. Staff provide intake and referral, direct supervision for the youth assigned to each emergency shelter and house management. It is a voluntary, hands-off program (no restraints) with up to 6 youth placed at a time at each home. We also have a Transitional Living Program for male youth 17-21 located in Arlington Heights. These are youth who are aging out of the foster care system and working more long-term on independent living skills.

We are currently hiring for part-time and full-time positions. We staff each home 24 hours/ day and seek to hire professionals with a flexible schedule. We require applicants who are available to work some time during the weekend. We offer competitive salaries, $20-21 per hour, and benefits for full-time employees. We also offer a $250 new hire bonus after 2 weeks worked and tenure bonuses at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 21 years of age in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Licensing Standards for Group Homes.
• Must have experience working with young people (10-25 years of age)
• Two years/60 hours of college credit from an accredited school or comparable experience preferred. Degree in human services field desired.
• Must meet Child Care Facility Driver requirements in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of Shelter's mission, vision, and values.
• Must have a valid Illinois driver's license, automobile, and must submit proof of Illinois auto insurance. Must be willing to drive clients to events, school, or activities as required.
• Auto insurance must show coverage for the minimum insurance limits of $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 as required by law for liability and property damage insurance.
• Must complete a medical and T.B. test prior to start date. Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the latest CDC guidelines.
• Must be fingerprinted by the State of Illinois and must submit to a full background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services prior to start date.
• Must submit official educational transcripts from the last school in which a degree was awarded prior to start date.
• Must become certified in Think Trauma, CPR and First Aid and complete New Hire Orientation before working independently, this training is provided by the agency.

Attn - Shelter Youth and Family Services encourages the application of all bilingual applicants to work with our client community. Applicants who can successfully certify their skill level in reading, speaking, and writing in two languages with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may receive an additional salary stipend. Certification testing is set by DCFS.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Night shift
• Overnight shift
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• We are filling PT positions working 15-29 hours weekly including weekends, overnight and evenings - are you able to work within that time period?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Language:

• Do you speak, read, and write any other language (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Required)
• Overnight Shift (Required)