Youth Care Specialist (SSYA)

Job Description

Job Description

Youth Care Specialist – Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Ocala, FL (Silver Springs Youth Academy)
Department: Operations
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $19.00/hr

About Youth Opportunity & Silver Springs Youth Academy

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Silver Springs Youth Academy in Ocala, Florida, includes multiple co-located residential programs serving males ages 14 to 18 who require behavioral health, mental health, and substance use services.

The programs use evidence-based practices to provide comprehensive care, treatment, and supervision. Youth receive individualized services, including individual, family, and group counseling, while working toward the goals established in their treatment plans.

Educational services are provided through Florida Scholars Academy, offering individualized support and multiple pathways toward earning a high school diploma or equivalent, industry-recognized credentials, and postsecondary education. The program helps youth strengthen their skills, achieve treatment and educational goals, and prepare for successful community reintegration.

Position Summary – Youth Care Specialist Job in Ocala, FL

We are hiring a Youth Care Specialist to provide direct supervision and support to youth at Silver Springs Youth Academy. This position supervises a group of seven to 10 youth during waking and non-waking hours while maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

Youth Care Specialists provide the external structure necessary to maintain safety while helping youth develop the internal controls, decision-making skills, and personal responsibility needed for long-term success.

Youth Care Specialist Job Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off and holidays – Earn four 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

Why Join Youth Opportunity?

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable youth
• Gain hands-on experience in youth behavioral health and residential care
• Work in a structured, supportive, and team-oriented treatment environment
• Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

Youth Care Specialist Responsibilities

• Supervise a group of seven to 10 youth and maintain awareness of each youth’s location and activities
• Follow established procedures regarding youth movement, safety, contraband, population counts, and incident reporting
• Provide a safe and supportive environment using positive discipline, relationship-building, crisis intervention, and de-escalation techniques
• Use the I-Choose behavior modification system to recognize progress, reinforce positive choices, and address behavioral concerns
• Communicate each youth’s needs, challenges, progress, and accomplishments to the treatment team
• Conduct huddle-ups, problem-solving group meetings, and daily reviews with assigned youth
• Provide appropriate prompts and interventions that encourage teamwork, accountability, and positive recognition
• Assist classroom teachers with educational activities and reinforce classroom content and study practices within the living units
• Help youth plan, complete, and evaluate daily activities
• Create opportunities for youth participation, achievement, and individual recognition
• Document shift activities, population counts, behavioral concerns, and unusual incidents accurately and objectively
• Make referrals for medical evaluations or other specialized needs
• Brief incoming employees regarding significant events from the previous shift

Other Duties Include

• Participate in required training and professional development activities
• Report any acts, incidents, or conditions reflecting the possibility of inappropriate youth-to-youth or staff-to-youth relationships
• Report unusual incidents and any use of physical intervention according to established guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned or needed

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to communicate effectively with youth in a respectful, professional, and age-appropriate manner
• Group leadership and relationship-building skills
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to distinguish between facts, opinions, causes, and effects
• Ability to think and act independently while following established policies and procedures
• Ability to provide accurate and objective written documentation of shift activities and unusual incidents
• Ability to obtain First Aid, CPR, and approved crisis-intervention certifications during the probationary period
• Ability to pass required background checks and pre-employment screenings

Preferred Experience

• Two years of college coursework in a social services, human services, behavioral health, criminal justice, or related field
• Two or more years of experience working with youth
• Previous experience in residential care, behavioral health, education, social services, or a similar structured environment

Other Requirements

• Physical Demands: Must be able to lift 30 pounds from floor level to shoulder height. Extensive walking and standing are required. Must be able to recognize and respond quickly to youth altercations, attempts at self-harm, or attempts to leave the program without authorization. Must be able to perform approved physical intervention techniques and participate with youth in active and passive individual or group activities indoors and outdoors, including occasionally during inclement weather. Must be capable of transporting youth and meet applicable communicable-disease requirements.

• Other: Must maintain an appropriate and valid state driver’s license. Must meet all applicable state criminal background check and pre-employment screening requirements.

How to Apply

Click “Apply Now” through Indeed to submit your application. You can also visit to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.