Youth Care Specialist

Youth Care Specialist – Residential Youth Services

Location: Rockdale, TX Job Type: Full-Time | Various Shifts (Waking & Non-Waking Hours) Pay: $17.00 - $18.00/hr Schedule: Includes evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays

About Youth Opportunity & Rockdale Youth Academy (Rockdale, TX)

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Rockdale Youth Academy in Rockdale, Texas is a 65-bed secure Youth Academy for males ages 10 to 17, offering trauma-informed care across mental health, substance abuse, and sex-offender treatment needs. The center integrates clinical therapy, education (via Inspire Academy, including GED prep), restorative justice, therapeutic recreation, and life skills training.

Youth typically stay 6 to 9 months, engaging in individual, family, and group therapy; victim-impact awareness; pre-vocational preparation; and enrichment activities such as art, music, and recreation. Small group living units, Youth Advisory Board-guided incentive programs, and licensed dietitian-managed nutrition support stabilization and reintegration planning.

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.