Youth Care Specialist

Youth Care Specialist – Residential Youth Services

Location: Cleveland, TN Job Type: Full-Time | Various Shifts (Waking & Non-Waking Hours) Pay: $17.00 - $18.00/hr Schedule: Evenings, Overnights, Weekends, and Holidays Needed

About Youth Opportunity & Cleveland Youth Academy (Cleveland, TN)

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Cleveland Youth Academy in Cleveland, Tennessee is a 15-bed Youth Academy providing trauma-informed residential care for girls ages 12 to 17. Serving young women in need of intensive mental health services, the center combines clinical therapy, recreation, art, music, and educational support in a structured, supportive environment.

Youth typically remain in care for 3 to 6 months, participating in individual, family, and group therapy, life skills training, victim-impact awareness, restorative justice programming, and pre-vocational preparation. Programming is delivered 24/7 in small group living units to support emotional stabilization, family engagement, and successful transition back into the community.

About the Role

As a Youth Care Specialist, you will supervise and support 7–10 youth through daily activities while helping them develop the internal skills they need to succeed. You'll play a vital role in ensuring safety, modeling positive behaviors, and contributing to each youth's treatment progress.

Benefits

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

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor youth activities, safety, and well-being
• Facilitate group meetings and support conflict resolution
• Implement behavior management systems and de-escalation techniques
• Assist with schoolwork, activities, and treatment goals
• Document daily progress, incidents, and observations
• Communicate with treatment teams about youth progress

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to pass background checks

Preferred:

• 2 years of college coursework or experience working with youth
• CPR, First Aid, and crisis intervention certification (or willingness to obtain)

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Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.