Youth Care Specialist / Mental Health Tech

Youth Care Specialist / Mental Health TechnicianLocation: Clover Bottom Campus – Nashville, TN (Walnut/Rosewood Youth Academy, Harpeth Primary Assessment Center, Two Rivers Primary Assessment Center, Safe Therapeutic Respite Center) Department: Direct Care / Residential Services Job Type: Full-TimeAbout Youth Opportunity & Clover Bottom CampusYouth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. The Clover Bottom Campus in Nashville, Tennessee, is a multi-program campus providing trauma-informed residential and assessment-based care for youth with complex behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs.The campus includes Walnut/Rosewood Youth Academy, Harpeth Primary Assessment Center, Two Rivers Primary Assessment Center, and a Safe Therapeutic Respite Center. Serving adolescents across varying levels of care, Clover Bottom combines structured supervision, clinical treatment, education, recreation, and life-skills programming to support stabilization, accountability, and successful transition into long-term care or community-based settings.Youth Opportunity is dedicated to empowering youth through individualized care, strong relationships, and a culture rooted in teamwork, leadership, and accountability. We invest in excellence—both in the youth we serve and the employees who support them.About the RoleThe Youth Care Specialist / Mental Health Technician is a direct-care position responsible for the supervision, safety, and daily support of youth in a residential or assessment setting. This role provides structured guidance while modeling appropriate behavior, reinforcing positive decision-making, and supporting treatment goals.Youth Care Specialists work closely with clinical, educational, and operational staff to maintain a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment. This position plays a critical role in helping youth develop internal controls, social skills, and personal responsibility.BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate VestingPaid time off (PTO) and holidays – earn 4 hours of PTO every pay periodFree RX delivery on most medicationsTuition reimbursement and professional developmentRobust Employee Assistance ProgramSupportive, mission-driven work environmentKey ResponsibilitiesProvide direct supervision to a group of approximately 7–10 youth during waking and non-waking hoursMaintain constant awareness of youth whereabouts and ensure compliance with safety, security, and movement proceduresCreate and maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment using trauma-informed care principlesUtilize group counseling techniques, individual relationships, and positive discipline strategies, including the I-Choose behavior management systemApply crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques when necessary to maintain safetyConduct group meetings, huddles, problem-solving sessions, and daily reviews to reinforce accountability and positive peer interactionRepresent youth progress, needs, and concerns to the treatment team or designated counselorAssist classroom teachers with supervision and reinforcement of educational content within living unitsSupport youth participation in recreational, educational, and treatment-related activitiesDocument daily shift activities, incidents, and population counts in accordance with policyCommunicate critical information to oncoming shifts to ensure continuity of careMake referrals for medical or special needs as appropriateReport any incidents or concerns related to youth safety or boundary violationsParticipate in required training and professional development activitiesPerform other duties as assignedQualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent requiredTwo years of college coursework in a social or human services field preferredFor candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of experience working with youth preferredStrong verbal communication skills and ability to build respectful, professional relationships with youthDemonstrated group leadership and counseling skillsAbility to think independently, analyze situations, and respond appropriatelyAbility to complete accurate, objective written documentationFirst Aid, CPR, and approved crisis intervention certifications must be obtained during the probationary periodValid state driver's license requiredMust meet all state and criminal background check requirementsPhysical Demands• Must be in good physical health and emotionally stable • Able to actively engage with youth, participate in physical interventions, and transport youth or staff as needed • Must be free of communicable diseases as defined by the state • Must pass evaluation of physical techniques and certification examsEqual Opportunity Employer Youth Opportunity Investments is an equal opportunity employer