Youth Care Associate - Day Shift

Kentucky United Methodist Children's Homes; Nicholasville (KY); On-site; USD 22,041 - 23,419; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Free Employee Assistance Program

Health, vision, dental, and life insurance

403b retirement plan with 3% match

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A children's support organization in Nicholasville, KY, is seeking a Youth Care Associate to provide therapeutic support to at-risk youth. This full-time and part-time position involves mentoring, ensuring a safe environment, and overseeing daily activities. Qualified candidates must have a High School Diploma or GED, valid driver's license, and must be willing to undergo training in crisis management. The role offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Valid Kentucky Driver's License required.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug test.
• Training in Safe Crisis Management, CPR, and First Aid provided.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic support and supervision to youth.
• Build relationships with emotional and behavioral needs youth.
• Maintain a safe environment and oversee daily routines.
• Assist youth in treatment plans and recreational activities.
• Transport clients and manage campus activities.

Skills

Crisis management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Empathy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Why work for us:

KyUMH has over 150 years of experience serving youth who have experienced trauma. We have a strong team culture centered around helping our clients find healing through professional therapeutic interventions.

You Will Receive:

• Paid training as you learn how to support youth with trauma
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Health, vision, dental, and life insurance; 403b retirement plan with 3% match
• Paid time off for sick time, vacation, and mental health care
• Eight holidays, plus one floating holiday to use as you wish
• Tuition assistance and continuing education support

About this position:

Location: Nicholasville, KY

Compensation: $16 - $17/hr based on experience and education

Department: Treatment

Primary Shift: Day Shift; Full time and part time available.

A Youth Care Associate (YCA) provides therapeutic support and supervision of our youth in residential treatment throughout the course of all daily activities. The ideal YCA will be a team player, passionate about helping at‑risk youth learn life skills, and calm in stressful situations.

A day in the life of a Youth Care Associate:

• Build relationships and mentor youth ages 12‑17 who have intense emotional and behavioral needs.
• Provide supervision of youth to maintain a safe environment and oversee daily routine.
• Act as a positive role model including appropriate language, dress and social skills.
• Encourage a safe and healthy lifestyle, including meal preparation, routine chore supervision, laundry, and minor maintenance or cleaning tasks.
• Support youth in their treatment plan, such as learning coping skills to manage emotions.
• Create and participate in recreational activities.
• Assume responsibility for a variety of campus activities, including but not limited to driving a campus vehicle, transporting clients, preparing clients for visits, and clothing or supply shopping.
• De‑escalate or physically manage children in safe holds when they are a danger to themselves or others (training will be provided).

For this position, you must:

• Have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Have a valid Kentucky Driver’s License.
• Pass a background check.
• Pass a drug test.
• Be able to perform Safe Crisis Management skills (training provided).
• Be trained in CPR/First Aid (training provided).

KyUMH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

KyUMH is committed to maintaining a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.