Staff Assistant/Youth Care Worker

Scholarship Program Staff Assistant/Youth Care Worker 
FSLA - Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Reports to Program Manager
Pensacola, FL and Milton, 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 support for a living environment that is conducive to the academic and personal growth of students. This position will also provide support to the Girl's Home in Milton, FL to assist with direct care and supervision of residents in a group home environment. 

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. This position fills in as needed and does not have a set schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively with 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 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 in a polite and professional manner. Relays telephone messages accurately to recipient in a timely manner.
• Sorts and distributes incoming mail and prepares outgoing mail for pick-up.
• Orders all office supplies and materials in a timely manner and with supervisory approval.
• Schedules appointments and makes travel arrangements when requested by supervisor.
• Provides nutritionally balanced dinner meals are prepared throughout the week, and that nutritionally balanced lunch meals are prepared during the 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 when needed, demonstrates an 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 Manger as required.
• Provides praise and positive feedback, when appropriate, to help build the self-confidence and esteem of students.
• Handles stressful and emergency situations in a calm, professional manner.
• Maintains training requirements related to 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 and understanding of basic 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 desired.
• Using the English language must have 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 state of residence.
• Must have reliable transportation, proof of automobile liability insurance, and driving record that will allow coverage on 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 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 work area, some standing for prolonged periods for presentation.  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, lap top computer which may weigh up to 20 pounds.
Manual Dexterity:  Must be able to write, type, use telephone system, file, drive, etc.