Resident Care Specialist Young Mothers Program

Northlake Behavioral Health System; Mandeville (LA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Northlake Behavioral Health System’s Ness Center in Louisiana seeks a compassionate Resident Care Specialist to support adolescent mothers (ages 16-20) in a structured maternal group home. The role emphasizes daily living skills coaching, safety, and goal attainment in a trauma-informed residential setting.

You’ll work 12-hour shifts (days and nights) on-site, provide mentorship, meal planning assistance, and documentation as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in behavioral health, residential care, youth services, direct care, childcare, social services, or a related field preferred.
• CNA, Mental Health Technician, Direct Support Professional, or similar experience is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others succeed.
• Ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations.
• Current AHA BLS certification preferred (training provided if needed).

Responsibilities

• Support residents with daily living skills, household responsibilities, and healthy routines.
• Teach and reinforce life skills such as communication, organization, time management, and problem solving.
• Encourage positive social interactions and participation in program activities.
• Assist with meal planning, cooking, nutrition education, and household management.
• Provide supervision, mentorship, and support within a structured residential setting.
• Document resident progress and participate as part of a multidisciplinary care team.
• Help maintain a safe, supportive, and trauma informed environment.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Calm under pressure

Teamwork and collaboration

Life skills coaching

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CNA / Direct Support / Mental Health Technician certification (or equivalent)

Tools

AHA BLS Certification

Job description

Position: Resident Care Specialist

Location: The Ness Center

Schedule: 12-Hour Shifts, Hourly/Non-Exempt

Shift: Days & Nights Available

Per DCFS Residential Home Standards, direct care workers must be a minimum of 21 years of age.

Make a Difference in the Lives of Young Mothers and Their Children

We are seeking compassionate, reliable, and motivated individuals to join our team as a Resident Care Specialist in our Maternal Group Home program serving adolescent mothers ages 16 to 20.

In this role, you will provide daily support, guidance, and life skills coaching to help young mothers build independence, develop healthy routines, strengthen parenting skills, and achieve personal goals in a safe and supportive residential environment.

What You'll Do:

• Support residents with daily living skills, household responsibilities, and healthy routines
• Teach and reinforce life skills such as communication, organization, time management, and problem solving
• Encourage positive social interactions and participation in program activities
• Assist with meal planning, cooking, nutrition education, and household management
• Provide supervision, mentorship, and support within a structured residential setting
• Document resident progress and participate as part of a multidisciplinary care team
• Help maintain a safe, supportive, and trauma informed environment

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Experience in behavioral health, residential care, youth services, direct care, childcare, social services, or a related field preferred
• CNA, Mental Health Technician, Direct Support Professional, or similar experience is a plus
• Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others succeed
• Ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations
• Current AHA BLS certification preferred (training provided if needed)

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in behavioral health, social services, youth development, residential care, or community support services who are passionate about helping young families build a brighter future.

The Ness Center is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for all employment; free from discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preferences, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.