• Direct Care Worker

    House of the Good Shepherd (Utica, NY)


    Direct Care Worker

    Job Details

    Job Location

     

    Champlin Ave - Utica, NY

    Position Type

    Full Time

    Education Level

    High School

     

    Salary Range

     

    $20.16 - $20.16 Hourly

     

    Travel Percentage

     

    Up to 25%

     

    Job Shift

     

    Evening

     

    Join Our Mission

     

    $1,000 SIGN ON BONUS!

     

    About Us

     

    The House of the Good Shepherd (HGS) has been changing children’s lives for over 150 years. We provide individualized, compassionate care to youth and families through a range of residential, educational, community, and foster care programs across Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and the North Country. Our agency is built on a foundation of empathy, resilience, and the Sanctuary Model of care, which guides our commitment to healing and hope.

     

    What You’ll Do

     

    As a Direct Care Worker, you’ll be a steady presence for children and teens who have experienced significant trauma. In this role, you’ll help create a sense of structure, safety, and security as they navigate daily life in a residential setting. The work can be challenging, but your support will be a key part of a young person’s healing journey.

     

    What We’re Looking For

     

    We’re seeking mission-driven individuals who are passionate about youth development, responsive care, and teamwork. This is a great role for someone who is dependable, compassionate, and eager to learn.

    Description

    Qualifications and Preferred Experience

     

    + High School diploma or GED required.

    + Experience working with youth or in a caregiving role is highly desirable.

    + Must have a valid NYS driver’s license and complete training to drive agency vehicles.

    + Must be able to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

     

    Key Skills and Attributes

     

    + Confident in setting healthy boundaries and responding to challenging behavior with care and consistency.

    + Skilled at building strong, respectful connections with youth, families, and coworkers.

    + Open to learning and able to complete required trainings like Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, CPR, and First Aid.

    + Detail-oriented, dependable, and able to follow procedures and document accurately.

    + Brings patience, resilience, and emotional steadiness to the work.

     

    Why Work with Us?

     

    We believe caring for our staff is just as important as caring for our clients. That’s why we offer:

     

    + Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

    + Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits

    + 403(b) retirement plan with agency match

    + Tuition reimbursement

    + Professional development opportunities and ongoing job training. Many of our supervisors and leaders started as Child Care Workers—grow with us!

    + Opportunities for internal growth and advancement

    + Supportive, mission-driven work environment

     

    What to Expect for Scheduling?

     

    Shifts vary by program and may include day, evening, overnight, and/or rotating shifts that include weekends and holidays. Flexibility is essential, as staff coverage is vital to maintaining a stable, therapeutic environment for youth.

     

    Equal Opportunity Employer

     

    The House of the Good Shepherd is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. HGS encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and those with disabilities. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access throughout the hiring process.