Joyous Care Services is seeking dedicated and energetic individuals to join our team as Direct Support Professionals (Youth Behavioral Support Specialists). This role is crucial in providing care and support to youth with high behavioral needs, including intellectual, developmental, and mental health challenges. If you are compassionate, reliable, and enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of young people, we want to hear from you!

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education & Experience: Associate degree or at least four years of direct care experience working with adolescents or adults with disabilities, mental health needs, and high behavioral needs, including experience managing aggressive and challenging behaviors preferred.
• Age Requirement: Must be 21 years or older.
• Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to document information clearly and accurately; proficient typing skills. Ability to handle stressful and potentially unsafe situations calmly and effectively.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to engage in high levels of physical activity, including biking, running, and hiking for extended periods; ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Must be physically capable of managing and responding to aggressive behavior if necessary.
• Driving: Must have a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
• Attitude: Maintain a positive, uplifting attitude to contribute to the mission of Joyous Care Services.
• Preferred Experience: Prior experience working with youth and/or adults exhibiting high behavioral needs is required.

• Behavioral Support: Implement and follow the client’s behavior and care plans, focusing on therapeutic interventions and managing challenging behaviors. This includes addressing incidents of physical aggression (such as hitting, kicking, or throwing objects) and verbal aggression (including shouting, threats, or abusive language). Prepare to handle instances of elopement attempts, where youth may try to leave the facility without permission, and manage the high energy and activity levels typical of this population.
• Activity Engagement: Actively participate in and supervise a range of high-intensity and outdoor activities, such as hiking, escape rooms, and go-cart riding, while ensuring safety and engagement. The role requires constant vigilance to maintain safety during these activities, given the potential for impulsive or aggressive behavior.
• Household Management: Assist clients with maintaining a clean, safe, and organized home environment. This includes managing any potential damage or disruption caused by behavioral outbursts.
• Meal Preparation: Prepare meals for the individuals you serve according to program care plan.
• Communication: Maintain positive, effective communication with youth, co-workers, administration, and interdisciplinary teams. Be prepared to document and report incidents of aggression and other behavioral issues accurately and promptly.
• Documentation: Complete and maintain thorough documentation as required by the client’s program and state licensing regulations. This includes detailed records of behavioral incidents, interventions, and progress.
• Crisis Management: Assist in preventing and managing difficult situations, including behavioral escalations and safety concerns. Employ de-escalation techniques and therapeutic strategies to address and diffuse aggressive or unsafe behavior.