Atlas House - Substitute Youth Care Specialist

Description

Substitute Youth Care Specialist - On Call / As Needed

Both day and overnight shifts available.

Are you passionate about supporting youth and looking for flexible work that makes a meaningful impact?

We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and adaptable Substitute Youth Care Specialists to provide coverage within our Independent Living Program on an as-needed basis. Substitute staff play a critical role in maintaining consistency, safety, and support for youth when full time staff are unavailable.

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy flexible scheduling while still being part of a mission driven team supporting adolescents transitioning toward independence and adulthood.

As a Substitute Youth Care Specialist, you will step into the daily rhythm of the program by supporting youth through mentorship, structure, encouragement, and life-skills development. Whether covering a planned shift, assisting during staffing shortages, or helping during higher needs periods, substitute staff help ensure youth continue to receive stable and supportive care.

Position Expectations

• Must be available to pick up shifts as needed, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, holidays, and awake overnight shifts depending on program needs
• Must work a minimum of one shift every 60 days to remain active and eligible for employment
• Flexibility and responsiveness to scheduling needs are highly valued in this role

What You'll Do

• Build positive, professional relationships with youth through mentorship, professional boundaries, accountability, and consistency
• Support youth in developing independent living skills including budgeting, cooking, hygiene, organization, employment readiness, communication, and community engagement
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive home environment
• Facilitate group sessions around life skills, emotional regulation, health education, healthy relationships, and substance use education and prevention.
• Facilitate house meetings, and take residents out for recreational activities
• Support youth through emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention when needed
• Assist with transportation, appointments, school support, employment goals, and community activities
• Complete daily documentation, progress notes, and incident reporting
• Conducting rounds and ensuring the physical sight of each resident and tracking
• Collaborate closely with case managers, supervisors, community partners, and treatment teams
• Model healthy communication, boundaries, and problem-solving skills
• Participate in household operations including meal preparation, cleaning, organization, and maintaining shared spaces

What We're Looking For

We are seeking someone who:

• Brings empathy, patience, and authenticity to their work with youth
• Believes in a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach
• Can balance structure, accountability, and compassion
• Communicates effectively and works well within a team environment
• Remains calm and emotionally grounded during challenging situations
• Is dependable, professional, and committed to creating a positive environment for youth
• Understands the importance of healthy boundaries and relationship-building
• Values diversity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Juvenile Justice, Human Services, or a related field preferred

OR

• Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience working with youth

Experience working with adolescents, foster youth, residential treatment, juvenile justice, behavioral health, or independent living programs is highly valued.

Requirements

• Valid driver's license and ability to meet agency driving requirements
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Food Handler's Card required within two weeks of hire
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Ability to complete required trainings including Mandatory Abuse Reporting and Bloodborne Pathogens

Physical & Work Environment

This is an in-person position. This role is active and hands-on. Staff should be comfortable supervising youth in both residential and community settings, navigating stairs, completing household tasks, and responding to crisis situations when necessary. The work can be emotionally demanding but deeply meaningful and rewarding.

Why This Work Matters

Young people in our program are learning how to navigate adulthood while carrying complex life experiences. The relationships they build with staff can have a lasting impact. We are looking for individuals who understand that healing, growth, and independence happen through consistency, patience, and connection.

If you are passionate about empowering youth, creating safe spaces, and helping young people move toward independence and stability, we encourage you to apply.