Entry Level Child and Youth Worker Jobs

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Wellness resources

Closes: 11/26/2026

Floater Youth Worker/Shift Lead

Reports to: Unit Coordinator

Salary (Grade): $20.63 (G13-E)

Status: Reg. Full Time

(Non-Exempt)

Location: Youth Crisis Intervention Center and Safe House in Winnebago, NE

Job Purpose & Position Overview

The Floater Youth Worker provides support for all shifts and acts as a youth Worker or a shift lead depending on the shift that is covered, ensuring consistent and high-quality care for all youth residents. This position is responsible for receiving juveniles into the facilities, ensuring their safety and well-being, and supporting their behavioral, emotional, and medical needs. The Floater Youth Worker will also advise parents/guardians, caseworkers, and other relevant agencies regarding program processes, while maintaining compliance with all policies and procedures. This role “floats” between Youth worker and Shift Lead responsibilities based on staffing needs and will be cross trained in both job responsibilities’ operations, crisis procedures, and youth care protocols. This position will meet with Unit coordinator periodically to go over and make up their schedule. The position requires schedule flexibility, professionalism, and the ability to adapt to changing environments and youth needs. The Floater Youth Worker plays a vital role in maintaining safe, structured, and culturally supportive environments for youth in crisis. This position requires flexibility, compassion, and teamwork to ensure consistent and effective support for youth across all shifts of the Winnebago Youth Facility.

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates the Winnebago Tribe’s core mission, vision, and values.
• Provides intake and orientation services to juveniles, parents/guardians, attorneys, social workers, and other relevant parties, explaining facility policies and procedures.
• Practices principles of Trauma-Informed Care and maintains a calm, supportive approach during youth intakes and interventions.
• Monitors and supervises youth throughout assigned shifts, ensuring safety, structure, and positive engagement.
• Implements and monitors daily activity schedules, group routines, and behavioral management programs.
• Provides direct care and supervision during meals, recreation, study, and rest periods.
• Recognizes and appropriately responds to behavioral, emotional, and medical needs, coordinating with medical and clinical staff as necessary.
• Documents daily observations, behavioral incidents, and progress in behavioral assessment logs.
• Assists in crisis situations, including youth on intensive suicide monitoring, following safety protocols and intervention plans.
• Supports youth struggling with substance use or withdrawal behaviors during the intake and stabilization process.
• Coordinates with tribal elders and cultural program staff to integrate traditional healing and cultural education into daily routines.
• Participates in meal planning, preparation, and facility cleanliness.
• Provides outreach services to at-risk or disenfranchised youth as directed.
• Ensures confidentiality of all records and information in compliance with tribal, state, and federal requirements.
• Provides guidance, mentoring, and support to new staff and assists in onboarding and training as assigned.
• May assume supervisory responsibilities during assigned shifts or in the absence of lead staff.
• Performs all other duties as assigned to ensure safe and effective operation of all shifts.
• The duties listed are only an illustration of various types of work performed. The omission of the specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the process.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of college coursework in social work, psychology, criminal justice, education, or a related field; or one (1) year of direct experience working with at-risk youth. Equivalent combinations of education and experience considered.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and meet eligibility guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage youth behavior using empathy, consistency, and sound judgment.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with youth, families, coworkers, and partner agencies.
• Strong crisis management, problem-solving, and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while following established procedures.
• Must maintain a positive attitude, professionalism, and excellent customer service skills.

Training Requirements:

• Mandatory Reporter Certification (must obtain/maintain).
• CPR/First Aid Certification-obtained when hired.
• Handle With Care Certification-obtained when hired (crisis intervention).
• Ongoing participation in in-service and professional development training.
• Willingness to pursue continued education or training in criminal justice, behavioral health, or social work.
• Intensive monitoring training.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, bend, and reach for extended periods.
• Must have manual dexterity and full range of motion in all extremities.
• Ability to work in high-stress, emotionally charged situations.
• Must demonstrate emotional resilience, patience, and clear decision-making under pressure.

Mental Requirements:

• Reading, writing, calculating.
• Above average social interaction skills.
• Reasoning/Analysis.
• Works with minimal to no supervision.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in both in the Youth Shelter and YCIC facilities.
• May be exposed to youth exhibiting emotional or behavioral disturbances, including verbal or physical aggression.
• Must be available to work flexible hours, rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends.
• Schedules may change based on program needs; staff may be required to stay for extended shifts or cover additional duties as needed.

Language Requirements:

• Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
• Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations:

• All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Submit an application at www.winnebagotribe.com, a resume, cover letter, and two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Applications submitted after the closing date or without proper documents will not be considered.
• If claiming Native American or Veteran preference, please include pertinent documentation.
• Call Human Resources at 402-878-2272 for further information.

As provided by Federal Law, all qualified Native American applicants shall receive preference over Non-Native American applicants. In the absence of qualified Native American applicants, consideration will be given to all other applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.