Youth Care Specialist

Youth Care Specialist – Youth Behavioral Health
Location: Wimauma, FL - Lake Parrish Youth Academy
Department: Operations
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $19.00 / hr
Shift: 12 hr shifts 8:00am - 8:00pm and 8:00pm - 8:00am
About Youth Opportunity
Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health services for youth. We are committed to providing trauma-informed care, structured support, and individualized services that help young people build stability, develop life skills, and prepare for their next steps.
Our programs are designed to create safe, supportive, and highly structured environments where youth receive consistent guidance, education, behavioral health support, and opportunities for personal growth. Team members play an important role in helping youth develop positive coping skills, strengthen social and independent living skills, and work toward successful outcomes.
At Youth Opportunity, we believe meaningful change happens through connection, consistency, and care. Every role contributes to creating an environment where youth feel supported, challenged, and encouraged as they move forward.
Youth Care Specialist Job Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with up to 4% employer match with immediate vesting
Paid time off (PTO) and 7 paid holidays (earn 4 hours of PTO per pay period)
Free RX delivery on most medications
Tuition reimbursement and professional development
Robust Employee Assistance Program
Supportive, mission-driven work environment
Why Join Youth Opportunity?
Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth
Gain experience in a growing field of youth mental health and residential care
Work in a secure, structured, and supportive treatment environment
Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities
Position Summary – Youth Care Specialist Job
We are hiring a Youth Care Specialist to join our team at Lake Parrish 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 Responsibilities
Supervise and monitor the activities of a group of youth, maintaining constant awareness of their whereabouts
Ensure safety and security through adherence to procedures on movement, security, contraband, headcounts, and reporting
Utilize group counseling techniques, individual relationships, positive discipline strategies, and crisis intervention when necessary
Represent youth needs and progress to treatment teams and provide progress reports
Facilitate daily meetings (“huddle-ups”) to encourage accountability and teamwork
Support classroom teachers by reinforcing educational content in living units
Encourage and support youth engagement in activities and programs that promote learning and personal growth
Document daily shift activities and population counts, refer special needs or medical concerns, and communicate key events to incoming shifts
Other Duties Include
Participate in required training and professional development
Report incidents or concerns regarding youth or staff conduct
Perform other duties as assigned or needed
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required; two years of college coursework in a social or human services field preferred
2 years of experience working with youth preferred (if no college coursework)
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire, as required by applicable state licensing regulations.
Strong verbal communication skills; able to relate to youth in a professional, non-patronizing manner
Group counseling and leadership skills
Analytical thinking and sound judgment
Certification in First Aid, CPR, and crisis intervention required during probationary period
Ability to document clearly and objectively
Physical Demands
Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds
Extensive walking and standing required
Ability to respond quickly to youth altercations, self-harm risks, or escape attempts
Must be able to participate in physical activities with youth, indoors or outdoors
Must be free from communicable diseases as defined by the state
Other Requirements
Valid driver’s license and safe driving record required.
Must meet state criminal background check requirements
How to Apply
Click “Apply Now” through Indeed to submit your application. Or visit http://www.youthopportunity.com/yourfuture to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.
Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No