Youth Care Specialist

PATHWAYS TO PURPOSE; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Pathways to Purpose in Cleveland, OH seeks a compassionate Youth Care Specialist to support at‑risk girls age 12–18. You will provide direct care, guidance, and mentorship in a structured setting, helping youth meet personal and behavioral goals.

Responsibilities include building trusting relationships, implementing care plans, de‑escalating crises, and collaborating with case managers to ensure safe, supportive environments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; degree in Social Work or related field preferred.
• Experience with at‑risk youth in group home or residential care is desirable.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care and behavioral interventions is important.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and crisis de‑escalation skills are essential.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building rapport with youth.
• Background check and licensing requirements must be met; CPR/First Aid CPI certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision to youth in a group home setting.
• Build positive, trusting relationships to support emotional and behavioral development.
• Implement individualized care plans and document progress and observations.
• De‑escalate crisis situations using trauma‑informed approaches.
• Facilitate group activities, life skills programming, and recreation.
• Collaborate with case managers, counselors, and families to support goals.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing environment at all times.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Behavioral intervention

Youth development principles

Strong communication

Crisis de-escalation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Degree in Social Work or related field preferred

Job description

About the Role:

Pathways to Purpose in Cleveland, OH is looking for a passionate and dedicated Youth Care Specialist to join our team and make a real difference in the lives of young at-risk girls 12-18 years old. This is a rewarding opportunity to provide hands‑on support, guidance, and mentorship to youth who need it most. If you're driven by purpose and committed to empowering the next generation, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct care and supervision to youth in a group home setting


• Build positive, trusting relationships with youth to support emotional and behavioral development


• Implement individualized care plans and document progress and behavioral observations


• De‑escalate crisis situations using trauma‑informed and youth‑centered approaches


• Facilitate group activities, life skills programming, and recreational opportunities


• Collaborate with case managers, counselors, and families to support each youth’s goals


• Maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing environment at all times

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required; degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field preferred


• Prior experience working with at‑risk youth, adolescents in a group home and or residential care setting


• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care, behavioral intervention, and youth development principles


• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and crisis de‑escalation skills


• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building meaningful rapport with youth


• Must pass a background check and meet all state licensing requirements


• CPR/First Aid and CPI certification preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire

About Us:

Pathways to Purpose is a Cleveland‑based organization dedicated to transforming the lives of young girls through compassionate care, structured support, and meaningful rapport. Our clients and their families trust us because we go beyond basic care — we invest in futures. Our team members thrive here because they know their work truly matters, backed by a culture of collaboration, purpose, and community impact.