ABSTRACT
Residential treatment as a process is a function of a shared language and a shared reality. Direct care staff are considered the most important clinical component in the residential treatment of youngsters with emotional problems. Children and adolescents placed in group care especially need healthy relationships with adults, so that they can navigate the complex social and peer pressures they will encounter. Best practices in youth work are considered to occur when interventions are not experienced as intrusive, assist in the self-inquiry process, and stimulate the youth’s developmental potential (Pazaratz, 2000b, 2000c, 2000d, 2003b). This chapter describes the skills and competencies expected of child and youth care workers in residential treatment. The format that is detailed was developed at the Oshawa/Whitby Crisis Intervention Centre (Pazaratz, 1999c) and can be utilized as a job description, or as the basis of a youth worker’s evaluation for promotional opportunities. Although there are many duties expected of front-line staff, the nature of the worker’s role evolves as the worker matures and develops the skills necessary to harmonize his or her efforts with the treatment needs of residents (Pazaratz, 2003a).
