“Thompson, located in the Charlotte/Matthews area, has openings for  a Care Specialist position in our new Short Term Emergency Shelter which serves court-involved youth. The ideal candidate is able to exhibit a positive, upbeat attitude to encourage youth interaction and understands the cultural diversity of youths, their families and team members. This position teaches and models healthy and safe relationships.

This program provides 24-hour direct care to youths ages 12 – 17 in the residential treatment program by providing a safe therapeutic home setting in a positive, consistent and structured environment. This includes mental health support and documentation based on service goals and plans for each youth. Significant events and behavior shall be documented and communicated in daily process notes. This position plans, provides and supervises the daily activities of the youths in the program to build self-esteem and appropriate peer interaction for each youth. This position is responsible for building a safe and positive relationship with each youth using basic principles of reality therapy without punitive approaches while providing engaging, nurturing structure. This individual must have the ability to appropriately intervene to meet the needs of the youth and their family members gain the skills and confidence to address issues and problems as they take place.

Education Requirements: This entry-level position requires a high school diploma or GED with a minimum of two years of population specific experience working with clients with emotional difficulties. An Associate’s Degree in Human Services or related field with a minimum of two years of population specific experience working with clients with emotional difficulties preferred. Four-year degree in Human Service or related field with a minimum of two years of population specific experience working with clients emotional difficulties ideal for this position. Must have the ability to respond effectively within and cope with an environment that can be extremely stressful on the mind and body.

Physical Requirements: Will frequently perform a wide variety of physical tasks such as standing, walking, running, stooping, bending, climbing stairs, which requires strength, coordination, endurance, and agility. Staff must be agile enough to control and rapidly extricate him/herself and youths from buildings in case of an emergency. This program does require staff to be able to maintain sufficient physical agility and stamina to intervene with uncooperative youths and must be able to exert the minimum necessary strength to restrain and subdue the youth if necessary. Staff must be capable of running a distance as required in the prevention of a youth absconding. Persons with any medical problems such as joint problems, obesity, arthritis or cardiopulmonary conditions, where it would be unwise or not possible to engage in moderate physical exertion should not be considered.

Position requires driving agency vehicles as well as transporting clients. A valid driver’s license in the state of your residence, at least 3 years of driving with a driver’s license and clean driving record are required. All potential job candidates must pass a drug screening test and an extensive background check is required. No calls please.

Thompson seeks to maintain an inclusive diverse workforce. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.”

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