Trauma-Informed Youth Care Specialist

Youth Opportunity Investments, LLC; Florida; On-site; USD 24,796 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

PTO & holidays

Rx delivery

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Youth Opportunity is hiring a Youth Care Specialist in Broward, FL to supervise a group of 7-10 youth, ensuring safety and well‑being while guiding them toward long‑term success. This direct care role emphasizes compassionate, patient support and structured supervision within a treatment environment.

The position requires First Aid/CPR/crisis intervention certification during probation and strong communication, documentation, and leadership skills to collaborate with treatment teams and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework preferred.
• 2 years of youth experience preferred (if no college coursework).
• Strong verbal communication skills; relate to youth professionally.
• Group counseling and leadership skills are essential.
• Analytical thinking and sound judgment required.
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, and crisis intervention during probation.
• Ability to document clearly and objectively.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor a group of 7-10 youth during daily activities.
• Ensure safety and security through procedures on movement and reporting.
• Utilize group counseling techniques and crisis intervention when necessary.
• Represent youth needs to treatment teams and provide progress reports.
• Facilitate daily meetings to encourage accountability and teamwork.
• Support classroom teachers by reinforcing educational content.
• Encourage youth engagement in activities promoting learning and growth.
• Document daily shift activities and population counts; communicate key events.

Skills

Verbal communication

Group counseling

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two years of college coursework in social/human services

Job description

Youth Care Specialist – Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Pembroke Pines, FL
Department: Operations
Job Type: Full-Time Evening & Overnight / Sunday - Saturday / 8 Hour shifts
Pay: $19.00 / hr

About Youth Opportunity & Broward Youth Academy

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Broward Youth Treatment Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida, provides trauma-informed residential care for adolescent males ages 12 to 17. The center offers integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment alongside education, restorative justice, therapeutic recreation, and life skills development. Youth typically stay based on individualized treatment progress, engaging in individual, family, and group therapy; victim impact awareness; vocational preparation; and enrichment activities such as art, music, and recreation. Small group living units, youth-driven incentive programs, and licensed dietitian-managed nutrition support stabilization and successful community reintegration.

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 in Broward, FL

We are hiring a Youth Care Specialist to join our team at Broward 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)
• 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.