Youth Care Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Youth Care Specialist – Residential Youth Services

Location: Elizabethton, TN – Elizabethton Youth Academy
Job Type: Full-Time | Various Shifts (Waking & Non-Waking Hours)
Pay: $17.00 hr 
Schedule: Includes evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays

About Youth Opportunity & Elizabethton Youth Academy (Elizabethton, TN)

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. Elizabethton Youth Academy in Elizabethton, Tennessee is a secure Youth Academy providing trauma‑informed residential care for adjudicated boys. Youth benefit from structured education, clinical mental health treatment, restorative justice, and pre‑vocational training, delivered in a safe, therapeutic setting.

Youth typically remain in care for 6 to 9 months, participating in individual, family, and group therapy; life skills and social skills training; victim‑impact awareness; and restorative justice. Small group living units support family engagement and prepare youth for successful transition to community life.

About the Role

As a Youth Care Specialist, you will supervise and support 7–10 youth through daily activities while helping them develop the internal skills they need to succeed. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring safety, modeling positive behaviors, and contributing to each youth’s treatment progress.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – Earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor youth activities, safety, and well-being
• Facilitate group meetings and support conflict resolution
• Implement behavior management systems and de-escalation techniques
• Assist with schoolwork, activities, and treatment goals
• Document daily progress, incidents, and observations
• Communicate with treatment teams about youth progress

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass background checks

Preferred:

• 2 years of college coursework or experience working with youth
• CPR, First Aid, and crisis intervention certification (or willingness to obtain)

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Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.