Direct Care Staff - 1st Shift Mon-Fri

Job Description

Job Description

Immediate need for a full-time, weekday, 1st Shift Direct Care Staff!

My Friend’s House is a residential home serving teenage boys in state custody who have experienced abuse, neglect, or difficult life circumstances. We are looking for compassionate, dependable individuals who want to help create a safe and supportive environment where young men can grow, heal, and build a better future.

If you are patient, steady under pressure, and passionate about helping teenagers succeed, this may be the right role for you.

Position Summary

The Direct Care Staff provides supervision, mentorship, and daily support for the eight teenage boys who live at My Friend’s House. This role helps maintain a safe, structured, and positive home environment while encouraging residents to develop responsibility, life skills, and healthy relationships.

Direct Care Staff serve as positive role models and are essential in helping residents grow emotionally, socially, and academically.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Youth Support and Supervision

• Provide direct supervision and guidance for residents in daily activities
• Serve as a positive role model while maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Encourage responsibility, accountability, and life skill development
• Support residents in completing daily routines including school preparation, chores, and personal care

Household and Daily Living Support

• Assist residents with household responsibilities including cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe living environment
• Participate in recreational activities and community outings with residents

Transportation and Activities

• Transport residents to and from school, appointments, and activities using company vehicles
• Assist with educational, recreational, and community activities

Documentation and Communication

• Maintain accurate daily records and documentation of resident activities and observations
• Communicate important updates to staff and leadership as needed
• Participate in staff meetings and treatment team discussions when requested

Safety and Crisis Support

• Follow all agency policies and state regulations regarding youth supervision and safety
• Assist with crisis intervention and de-escalation when needed
• Conduct room checks, safety drills, and follow established safety procedures

General Duties

• Assist with intake and discharge processes when needed
• Help maintain vehicles, equipment, and supplies
• Attend required training and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required (college coursework in social services, psychology, education, or related fields is a plus)
• At least one year of experience working with teenagers in a group setting preferred
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Ability to pass required background checks and drug screening
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a heart for helping youth who have experienced trauma
• Be patient, calm, and able to manage challenging situations professionally
• Demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills
• Be dependable, responsible, and emotionally mature
• Be comfortable setting boundaries while also offering encouragement and support

Work Environment

My Friend’s House is a residential facility operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Staff schedules may vary and flexibility is required to ensure the safety and supervision of residents.

Training

All staff receive training in areas such as:

• Crisis intervention and de-escalation
• CPR and First Aid
• Medication administration procedures
• State regulatory requirements

Why Work at My Friend’s House

Working at My Friend’s House is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young men who need stability, encouragement, and support. Our team is committed to providing a safe and positive environment where both residents and staff can grow.

What This Job Is Like

Working with youth in residential care can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Our residents have experienced difficult life circumstances and may struggle with trust, boundaries, or emotional regulation.

Successful staff members are patient, calm, consistent, and able to maintain structure while still showing care and encouragement.

If you are someone who enjoys mentoring teenagers and helping them develop life skills, this role can be incredibly meaningful.

Available Shift
We are currently hiring for a full-time staff for the following shift:

1st shift weekdays:
Monday through Friday
6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
These hours are typical, but require flexibility if relieving staff show up late or situations require coming in earlier then the shift starts or staying later then the shift ends.

Occasional Coverage
Opportunities may also exist to pick up additional shifts covering vacations, staff absences, school holidays, and summers.

My Friend’s House is a group-care facility offering temporary, short-term residential support for typically eight at-risk male youth ages 12-18. Our mission is to serve neglected, abused, or at-risk boys, ages 12-18, in State custody by offering a home-like environment with a balance of safety, structure, encouragement, care and expectations. Our mission continues in advocating for each resident that they be given the opportunity to recover from the adverse situation and become successful young adults.

Company Description

My Friend’s House is a group-care facility offering temporary, short-term residential support for typically eight at-risk male youth ages 12-18. Our mission is to serve neglected, abused, or at-risk boys, ages 12-18, in State custody by offering a home-like environment with a balance of safety, structure, encouragement, care and expectations. Our mission continues in advocating for each resident that they be given the opportunity to recover from the adverse situation and become successful young adults.