Direct Care Youth Care Worker Professional

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

Additional Requirements

Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts

Strong teamwork and communication skills

Ability to plan and coordinate recreational, social, and educational activities

Dependability, punctuality, and consistency are essential

Ability to understand and implement individualized care plans for each resident

Schedule Options

Full-Time: Evening Shift (3:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

Part-Time: Evenings & Weekends

Overnight / 3rd Shift: 11:00 PM – 9:00 AM

Compensation & Benefits

Pay: $17.50 – $21.25 per hour (DOE)

Full-time, non-exempt position

Benefits Include:

Paid Time Off (PTO) & Vacation

Holiday Pay

Simple IRA (after 90 days)

Supplemental Insurance (Aflac)

Opportunities for advancement and professional growth

401 K participation

Why Join Our Team

Meaningful, mission-driven work that changes lives

Supportive and team-oriented work environment

Hands-on experience in child welfare and behavioral health

Opportunities to grow within the organization

The Impact You’ll Make

Your consistency, structure, and care can help youth:

Build trust and emotional stability

Develop life skills and coping strategies

Improve behavior and decision-making

Successfully transition to family-based or permanent placements

Apply Today

If you are committed to making a difference and ready for a rewarding and challenging role, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team dedicated to changing lives.