Youth Care Specialist

Youth Care Specialist – Youth Behavioral HealthLocation: Ocala, FLAbout Youth Opportunity & Ocala Youth AcademyYouth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Ocala Youth Academy serves up to 72 adolescent males ages 15–18 across mental health and substance abuse overlay services. Youth engage in evidence-based interventions including moral recognition therapy, seven challenges, and impact of crime, with individual, group, and family counseling, victim impact awareness, restorative justice, life skills training, and education via Florida Scholars Academy. Onsite medical and psychiatric care, dietitian-managed meals, and youth advisory-driven programming support a trauma-informed treatment model. Length of stay depends on individualized risk reduction and treatment outcomes.Youth Care Specialist Job BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with up to 4% employer match with immediate vestingPaid time off (PTO) and 7 paid holidays (earn 4 hours of PTO per pay period)Free RX delivery on most medicationsTuition reimbursement and professional developmentRobust Employee Assistance ProgramSupportive, mission-driven work environmentWhy Join Youth Opportunity?Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youthGain experience in a growing field of youth mental health and residential careWork in a secure, structured, and supportive treatment environmentDevelop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunitiesPosition Summary – Youth Care Specialist Job in Ocala, FLWe are hiring a Youth Care Specialist to join our team at Ocala 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 ResponsibilitiesSupervise and monitor the activities of a group of youth, maintaining constant awareness of their whereaboutsEnsure safety and security through adherence to procedures on movement, security, contraband, headcounts, and reportingUtilize group counseling techniques, individual relationships, positive discipline strategies, and crisis intervention when necessaryRepresent youth needs and progress to treatment teams and provide progress reportsFacilitate daily meetings ("huddle-ups") to encourage accountability and teamworkSupport classroom teachers by reinforcing educational content in living unitsEncourage and support youth engagement in activities and programs that promote learning and personal growthDocument daily shift activities and population counts, refer special needs or medical concerns, and communicate key events to incoming shiftsOther Duties IncludeParticipate in required training and professional developmentReport incidents or concerns regarding youth or staff conductPerform other duties as assigned or neededRequired QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent required; two years of college coursework in a social or human services field preferred2 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 mannerGroup counseling and leadership skillsAnalytical thinking and sound judgmentCertification in First Aid, CPR, and crisis intervention required during probationary periodAbility to document clearly and objectivelyPhysical DemandsMust be able to lift up to 30 poundsExtensive walking and standing requiredAbility to respond quickly to youth altercations, self-harm risks, or escape attemptsMust be able to participate in physical activities with youth, indoors or outdoorsMust be free from communicable diseases as defined by the stateOther RequirementsValid driver's license and safe driving record requiredMust meet state criminal background check requirementsHow to ApplyClick "Apply Now" through Indeed to submit your application. Or visit to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.