Direct Care / Youth Care Worker Professional

Job Description Job Description Direct Care / Youth Care Worker Residential At-Risk Group Home – Adolescent Males | Florida Make a Difference Where It Matters Most Are you passionate about helping youth overcome adversity and build a better future? We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated individuals to join our team as Direct Care / Youth Care Workers in a licensed residential group home serving at-risk adolescent males. In this role, you will directly impact the lives of youth who have experienced trauma, instability, and loss—helping them build the skills needed for long-term success. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to be a mentor, role model, and agent of change . Position Overview The Direct Care / Youth Care Worker provides continuous supervision, direct care, and therapeutic support in a structured residential setting. Staff serve as caregivers and surrogate parental figures, supporting youth in developing emotional regulation, life skills, and positive behaviors. Using a trauma-informed care approach , you will help create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where youth can heal, grow, and prepare for reunification or permanent placement. Key Responsibilities Direct Care & Supervision Provide continuous supervision to ensure the safety, welfare, and security of all residents Serve as a caregiver, mentor, and positive role model Act as a surrogate parent, modeling appropriate behavior and decision-making Build supportive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries Daily Living Support & Life Skills Guide youth through daily routines, including hygiene, chores, and responsibilities Teach life skills such as cooking, cleaning, time management, and problem-solving Prepare meals and snacks while engaging youth in skill-building activities Assist with homework, academic enrichment, and e-learning Therapeutic Environment & Engagement Maintain a safe, clean, structured, and nurturing home environment Plan and supervise therapeutic, recreational, and community-based activities Support trauma-informed interventions and behavior management strategies Transportation & Community Activities Transport youth to school bus stops, appointments, and activities using agency vehicles Provide supervision during community outings and medical visits Behavioral Support & Crisis Intervention Identify and report emotional, behavioral, or developmental concerns Implement behavior modification techniques and individualized interventions Utilize crisis de-escalation strategies to manage challenging situations safely Medication Administration & Documentation Administer and document medications per agency policy Monitor for side effects and report concerns Complete accurate and timely documentation, including daily logs and incident reports Maintain compliance with all recordkeeping standards Team Collaboration Participate in individualized care planning and implementation Provide feedback on youth progress, strengths, and needs Attend team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities Support a culture of structure, consistency, and communication Minimum Qualifications Education & Experience Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a human services-related field preferred. In lieu of a degree, a High School Diploma or GED with relevant experience working with youth will be accepted. 2+ years of experience in a residential or group home setting Licensing & Requirements Valid Florida Driver’s License with clean driving record Must be insurable under agency commercial auto policy Ability to operate a 7- or 12-passenger vehicle Reliable transportation with proof of insurance Current First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain) Ability to pass comprehensive background screenings, including: DCF Level II / 7-point background check Child Abuse Registry Sexual Offender Registry FBI and local law enforcement checks #J-18808-Ljbffr Children Having Opportunities in a Caring Environment Inc