Like many states throughout the nation, South Carolina faces a foster care placement crisis. As a result, some youth are sleeping in South Carolina Department of Social Services (“DSS”)offices or spending the day in DSS offices until an employee drives them to sleep at a temporary foster home, often for only one night. Day Services Programs offer transient youth a program to participate in during daytime hours to prevent long stays in DSS offices or other transient environments.

Via Trent Hill Center’s Day Services Program, transient youth are engaged in daily educational and therapeutic activities, independent living skills assistance, artistic endeavors, fieldtrips, case management, community service experiences, individual and group counseling, and physical activity. The Day Services Program is not a residential program.

The responsibilities of the Youth Support Specialist include, but are not limited to:

·       Providing supervision, support, guidance and direction to a maximum of 10 non-residential foster care youth in the Day Services program;

·       Interacting with youth in alignment with Trent Hill Center’s mission and vision and trauma-informed practices and principles;

·       Assisting participants with activities of daily living such as hygiene related tasks, laundry, clothes shopping (when indicated) and addressing minor medical concerns;

·       Administering medication to youth participants when necessary;

·       Assisting participants with educational or vocational activities;

·       Transporting participants to appointments and off-site activities using company vehicle;

·       Completing required document of participants’ daily progress in the Day Services Program;

·       Assisting in preparation of nutritious meals and snacks for participants and staff;

·       Participating in required training, biweekly staff meetings and biweekly case staffing meetings;

·       Demonstrating ability to work well under pressure and in a sometimes-stressful environment.

Standard Responsibilities:

·       Respect and maintain the confidentiality of youth participating in all Trent Hill Center programs.

·      Work in partnership with Program Manager and other Direct Care staff to complete duties and provide supervision and services to youth participants.

·       Report to work on time and on a regular basis.

·       Always conduct oneself in an ethical manner.

·       Treat participants and other employees with integrity and respect.

·       Adhere to safety, hygiene, health and fire hazard guidelines; policies and procedures; mission and values.

·       Report suspected child abuse and neglect to the Out of Home Abuse and Neglect Unit of SCDSS or to a law enforcement agency in the county where the child resides or is found.

Youth Support Specialist candidates must have a High School Diploma or GED, plus 2 years working with children or youth, preferably teenagers. Experience in social work, group homes, or working with children and youth with disabilities or behavioral needs is preferred.

Applicants must also meet the following requirements:

·       Be at least 21 years of age

·       A valid driver’s license and

·       Complete required job specific training provided by the Center prior to working directly with Day Services Program participants.

The Youth Support Specialist is a full-time, salaried position. The Day Services Program operates Monday-Friday, 7a-7p. Youth Support Specialists will work 3-4 days per week.

Trent Hill Center seeks to hire 5Youth Support Specialists for our Day Services Program, opening in early 2024.Youth Support Specialists provide direct care services to youth participants in the Day Services Program and report directly to Trent Hill Center’s Associate Director.

Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Becky Hill, Trent Hill Center’s Associate Director, at becky.hill@trenthillcenter.org.