at Pyxis, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas, United States
Job Description
Pyxis's strength starts with our people. Every member of our team meets or exceeds the education, experience, and licensure standards for their role — because the youth and families we serve deserve nothing less.
We invest the majority of our resources directly into our programs, because we know that experienced, well-trained staff are the foundation of great direct service. Our program managers and employees are empowered to focus on what matters most: delivering best-practice care, meeting the needs of those we serve, and achieving real, positive outcomes.
Position Summary:
The Youth Care Specialist (HOME Team) provides care, supervision, and mentorship to youth in the foster care system in community-based and residential settings.
Acting as a compassionate role model, the staff fosters a safe, structured, and supportive environment that promotes self-awareness, personal
growth, and successful transition. Duties vary slightly depending on day or night shift assignment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
General Responsibilities (All Shifts):
- Support youth in managing challenging behaviors and emotions while maintaining communication with shift leads and program managers.
- Maintain a safe, supportive environment and model positive behavior.
- Engage youth in activities and mentorship to promote growth, emotional regulation, and success.
- Complete documentation, reports, and required records accurately and on time.
- Enforce organizational policies, including maintaining strict professional boundaries and participate in required training.
Day Shift Responsibilities:
- Supervise youth during activities, free time, and transportation to/from community sites.
- Facilitate hygiene routines, prepare meals and maintain clean, sanitary facilities/homes.
- Build positive mentoring relationships to support youth development and community reintegration.
- Night Shift Responsibilities:
- Monitor and engage youth overnight, including bedtime routines, emergencies, and behavioral incidents.
- Maintain a calm, safe environment, including light housekeeping and meal/snack preparation as needed.
- Ensure continuous awake supervision and participant safety throughout the night.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Transport participants and participate in outdoor activities as needed. May require outside work in hot and/or cold weather.
- Must be able to participate alongside the participants in the assigned community setting.
- Supervise participants continuously for up to 10 hours; ability to work with no off-site breaks.
- Respond to emergencies and assist with light housekeeping, meals, and facility upkeep.
- No smoking while on duty (per DCF regulations).
HOW YOU WILL SPEND YOUR TIME
- 75% Direct client services (including but not limited to community outings, meal preparation, drive time, chores, etc.)
- 10% Completion of required documentation
- 10% Crisis assistance
- 5% Meeting participation and trainings
