Youth Care Specialist (SSYA)

Youth Care Specialist – Youth Behavioral HealthLocation: Ocala, FL (Silver Springs Youth Academy)About Youth Opportunity & Silver Springs Youth AcademyYouth 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, FLWe 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 BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate VestingPaid time off and holidays – Earn four hours of PTO every pay periodFree RX delivery on most medicationsTuition reimbursement and professional developmentRobust Employee Assistance ProgramSupportive, mission-driven work environmentWhy Join Youth Opportunity?Make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable youthGain hands-on experience in youth behavioral health and residential careWork in a structured, supportive, and team-oriented treatment environmentDevelop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunitiesYouth Care Specialist ResponsibilitiesSupervise a group of seven to 10 youth and maintain awareness of each youth's location and activitiesFollow established procedures regarding youth movement, safety, contraband, population counts, and incident reportingProvide a safe and supportive environment using positive discipline, relationship-building, crisis intervention, and de-escalation techniquesUse the I-Choose behavior modification system to recognize progress, reinforce positive choices, and address behavioral concernsCommunicate each youth's needs, challenges, progress, and accomplishments to the treatment teamConduct huddle-ups, problem-solving group meetings, and daily reviews with assigned youthProvide appropriate prompts and interventions that encourage teamwork, accountability, and positive recognitionAssist classroom teachers with educational activities and reinforce classroom content and study practices within the living unitsHelp youth plan, complete, and evaluate daily activitiesCreate opportunities for youth participation, achievement, and individual recognitionDocument shift activities, population counts, behavioral concerns, and unusual incidents accurately and objectivelyMake referrals for medical evaluations or other specialized needsBrief incoming employees regarding significant events from the previous shiftOther Duties IncludeParticipate in required training and professional development activitiesReport any acts, incidents, or conditions reflecting the possibility of inappropriate youth-to-youth or staff-to-youth relationshipsReport unusual incidents and any use of physical intervention according to established guidelinesPerform other duties as assigned or neededRequired QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalentAbility to communicate effectively with youth in a respectful, professional, and age-appropriate mannerGroup leadership and relationship-building skillsStrong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilitiesAbility to distinguish between facts, opinions, causes, and effectsAbility to think and act independently while following established policies and proceduresAbility to provide accurate and objective written documentation of shift activities and unusual incidentsAbility to obtain First Aid, CPR, and approved crisis-intervention certifications during the probationary periodAbility to pass required background checks and pre-employment screeningsPreferred ExperienceTwo years of college coursework in a social services, human services, behavioral health, criminal justice, or related fieldTwo or more years of experience working with youthPrevious experience in residential care, behavioral health, education, social services, or a similar structured environmentOther RequirementsPhysical 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 ApplyClick "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.