Youth Care Specialist

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Ocala, FL
Department: Operations
Job Type: PRN
Pay: $19.00 / hr


About Youth Opportunity & Ocala Youth Academy

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Ocala Youth Academy serves up to 72 adolescent males ages 15-18 across Mental Health and Substance Abuse overlay services. Youth engage in evidence-based interventions including Moral Recognition Therapy, Seven Challenges, and Impact of Crime, with individual, group and family counseling, victim impact awareness, restorative justice, life skills training, and education via Florida Scholars Academy. Onsite medical and psychiatric care, dietitian-managed meals, and youth advisory-driven programming support a trauma-informed treatment model. Length of stay depends on individualized risk reduction and treatment outcomes.

Youth Care Specialist Job Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with immediate vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and 7 paid holidays (earn 4 hours of PTO per pay period)
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Why Join Youth Opportunity?

• Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth
• Gain experience in a growing field of youth mental health and residential care
• Work in a secure, structured, and supportive treatment environment
• Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

Position Summary - Youth Care Specialist Job in Ocala, FL

We are hiring a Youth Care Specialist to join our team at Ocala Youth Academy. This is a direct care position responsible for supervising a group of 7-10 youth during daily activities, ensuring their safety and well-being while guiding them in developing the internal controls necessary for long-term success. This role is ideal for compassionate, patient individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

Youth Care Specialist Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor the activities of a group of youth, maintaining constant awareness of their whereabouts
• Ensure safety and security through adherence to procedures on movement, security, contraband, headcounts, and reporting
• Utilize group counseling techniques, individual relationships, positive discipline strategies, and crisis intervention when necessary
• Represent youth needs and progress to treatment teams and provide progress reports
• Facilitate daily meetings ("huddle-ups") to encourage accountability and teamwork
• Support classroom teachers by reinforcing educational content in living units
• Encourage and support youth engagement in activities and programs that promote learning and personal growth
• Document daily shift activities and population counts, refer special needs or medical concerns, and communicate key events to incoming shifts

Other Duties Include

• Participate in required training and professional development
• Report incidents or concerns regarding youth or staff conduct
• Perform other duties as assigned or needed

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; two years of college coursework in a social or human services field preferred
• 2 years of experience working with youth preferred (if no college coursework)
• Strong verbal communication skills; able to relate to youth in a professional, non-patronizing manner
• Group counseling and leadership skills
• Analytical thinking and sound judgment
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, and crisis intervention required during probationary period
• Ability to document clearly and objectively

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds
• Extensive walking and standing required
• Ability to respond quickly to youth altercations, self-harm risks, or escape attempts
• Must be able to participate in physical activities with youth, indoors or outdoors
• Must be free from communicable diseases as defined by the state

Other Requirements

• Valid driver's license and safe driving record required
• Must meet state criminal background check requirements

How to Apply

Click "Apply Now" through Indeed to submit your application. Or visit to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.