Youth Care Specialist

Youth Care Specialist – Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Elizabethton, TN Department: Operations Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $17.00 / hr

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Elizabethton Youth Academy in Elizabethton, Tennessee is a secure Youth Academy providing trauma-informed residential care for adjudicated boys. Youth benefit from structured education, clinical mental health treatment, restorative justice, and pre-vocational training, delivered in a safe, therapeutic setting.

Youth typically remain in care for 6 to 9 months, participating in individual, family, and group therapy; life skills and social skills training; victim-impact awareness; and restorative justice. Small group living units support family engagement and prepare youth for successful transition to community life.

Position Summary – Youth Care Specialist Job in Elizabethton, TN

We are hiring a Youth Care Specialist to join our team at Elizabethton 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

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Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.