Youth Care Worker

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Youth Care Worker

YOUTH CARE Full Time Columbia, PA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1016

Title: Youth Care Worker
Location: Supervised Independent Living Program
Position Type: Full-Time / Part-Time

Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Program

The Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Program, operated by Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Services, Inc. (DARS), provides youth with a safe, supportive, and structured environment as they work toward greater independence and self-sufficiency. The program focuses on developing essential life skills, personal responsibility, decision-making, and independent living skills while providing guidance and support to help youth prepare for successful transitions into adulthood.

Position Summary

We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and motivated Youth Care Worker to join our Supervised Independent Living team. The Youth Care Worker provides supervision, guidance, and mentorship to youth residents while helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to live independently. This position plays an important role in promoting accountability, positive decision‑making, personal growth, and successful independent living.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision, guidance, and mentorship to youth residents
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and structured living environment
• Assist youth in developing independent living skills, including meal preparation, housekeeping, personal hygiene, budgeting, and time management
• Encourage personal responsibility, accountability, and positive decision‑making
• Support youth in meeting educational, vocational, employment, and individual service plan goals
• Assist youth with daily routines, appointments, community activities, and other program‑related responsibilities through transportation and mentoriship
• Monitor resident progress and document daily activities, incidents, and shift progress notes
• Communicate effectively with team members, families, and other service providers
• Promote appropriate social skills, conflict resolution, and healthy relationships
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations using approved intervention techniques and program procedures

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Experience working with youth in residential, educational, or community‑based settings preferred
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to establish appropriate professional boundaries while building positive relationships with youth
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and professional in challenging situations
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet agency driving requirements
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and clearances

Schedule

• Evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts may be required
• Flexible scheduling based on program needs
• Must be dependable and able to work as part of a team to ensure consistent supervision and support for residents

Why Join the SIL Program?

• Meaningful work that helps youth develop the skills needed for independence and adulthood
• Opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people
• Supportive team environment
• Mentoring both within the program and in the surrounding community through community activities, employment, and recreational events
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• The opportunity to contribute to a program focused on personal growth, responsibility, and successful transitions into the community

Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Services, Inc. (DARS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.