Direct Care / Youth Mentor

Hp2; Marshville (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Hp2 seeks a Youth Mentor in a residential treatment setting to provide direct care, supervision, and support to youth, aligning with individualized service plans and promoting safety.

Responsibilities include 24/7 supervision, behavior management, trauma-informed approaches, daily living assistance, and documentation within a structured, therapeutic environment. Strong emphasis on safety and coordinated care with clinical teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s preferred.
• Experience working with youth, behavioral health, or residential care preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide 24/7 supervision and support to youth.
• Implement behavior management and intervention strategies under supervision.
• Use trauma-informed, relationship-based approaches in all interactions.
• Assist with daily living activities (meals, hygiene, routines).
• Model appropriate behavior, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution.
• Promote development of social, emotional, and independent living skills.
• Monitor and document resident behavior and incidents.
• Support intake, transitions, and crisis situations.
• Supervise peer interactions and intervene to maintain safety.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
• Follow program protocols for youths with specialized needs.

Skills

Youth care experience

Trauma-informed care

Behavioral health knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s or Bachelor’s preferred

Bachelor’s degree in human services preferred

Job description

Description

Position Summary

The Youth Mentor provides direct care, supervision, and support to youth in a residential treatment setting. This role supports implementation of individualized service plans, promotes safety, teaches daily living skills, and contributes to a structured, therapeutic environment aligned with policies, procedures and guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 24/7 supervision and support to youth
• Implement behavior management and intervention strategies under the supervision of clinical staff
• Use trauma-informed, relationship-based approaches in all interactions
• Assist with daily living activities (meals, hygiene, routines)
• Model appropriate behavior, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution
• Promote the development of social, emotional, and independent living skills
• Monitor and document resident behavior and incidents
• Support intake, transitions, and crisis situations
• Supervise peer interactions and intervene appropriately to maintain safety.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment
• Maintain awareness of youth with specialized needs (e.g., sexualized behaviors, crisis history) and follow program protocols

Requirements

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s preferred
• Experience working with youth, behavioral health, or residential care preferred
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care is a plus

Documentation & Communication

• Complete accurate, timely, and objective documentation, including daily progress notes, incident reports, and behavioral observations.
• Communicate significant events, concerns, and progress to supervisors and clinical teams.
• Participate in shift briefings and team communication processes.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with regulatory, licensing, and accreditation standards.

Safety & Crisis Intervention

• Respond to behavioral crises using approved intervention techniques.
• Use least restrictive interventions in accordance with training and policy.
• Participate in de-escalation and crisis prevention strategies.
• Follow all protocols for incident reporting, abuse or neglect reporting, and emergency procedures.
• Ensure the safety of all youth at all times.

Daily Living & Milieu Management

• Actively participate in the residential milieu (therapeutic environment).
• Assist youth with hygiene and personal care, nutrition and meals, chores and responsibilities, and daily routines and structure.
• Lead and support recreational and skill-building activities.
• Ensure living areas are clean, safe, and organized.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required
• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts (day/night/weekends)
• Successful pass a background check and meet state regulatory requirements
• Physical ability to respond to crisis situations
• Must complete required training and certifications

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human services or related field preferred
• Relevant experience working with youth or behavioral health populations
  

Standard Compliance Requirements

All candidates must:

• Pass criminal background checks (state and federal)
• Clear NC Sex Offender Registry, Health Care Personnel Registry, and RIL checks
• Provide medical clearance and TB screening
• Obtain CPR/First Aid certification (if not already certified)
• Complete required training (trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, etc.)

Schedule Requirements

• Must be available to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on program needs.
• Staff are required to remain alert and awake during all assigned shifts.