Youth Care Specialist

Youth Opportunity Investments, LLC; Elizabethton (TN); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth Opportunity is seeking a dedicated Youth Care Specialist to supervise and support 7–10 youth in a secure residential setting at Elizabethton Youth Academy. You will help youths stay safe, model positive behaviors, and support their treatment progress through daily activities.

This full‑time role includes evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays. You’ll collaborate with treatment teams, document progress, and assist with schoolwork while fostering life and social skills in a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass background checks
• 2 years of college coursework or experience with youth preferred; CPR/First Aid/crisis intervention certs or willingness to obtain

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor youth activities, safety, and well-being
• Facilitate group meetings and support conflict resolution
• Implement behavior management systems and de-escalation techniques
• Assist with schoolwork, activities, and treatment goals
• Document daily progress, incidents, and observations
• Communicate with treatment teams about youth progress

Skills

Valid driver's license

Pass background checks

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2 years of college coursework or experience working with youth

CPR, First Aid, and crisis intervention certification (or willingness to obtain)

Job description

Youth Care Specialist – Residential Youth Services

Location: Elizabethton, TN – Elizabethton Youth Academy

Job Type: Full-Time | Various Shifts (Waking & Non-Waking Hours)

Pay: $18.00 hr

Schedule: Includes evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays

About Youth Opportunity & Elizabethton Youth Academy (Elizabethton, TN)

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. Elizabethton Youth Academy in Elizabethton, Tennessee is a secure Youth Academy providing trauma‑informed residential care for adjudicated boys. Youth benefit from structured education, clinical mental health treatment, restorative justice, and pre‑vocational training, delivered in a safe, therapeutic setting.

Youth typically remain in care for 6 to9months, participating in individual, family, and group therapy; life skills and social skills training; victim‑impact awareness; and restorative justice. Small group living units support family engagement and prepare youth for successful transition to community life.

About The Role

As a Youth Care Specialist, you will supervise and support 7–10 youth through daily activities while helping them develop the internal skills they need to succeed. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring safety, modeling positive behaviors, and contributing to each youth’s treatment progress.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – Earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor youth activities, safety, and well-being
• Facilitate group meetings and support conflict resolution
• Implement behavior management systems and de-escalation techniques
• Assist with schoolwork, activities, and treatment goals
• Document daily progress, incidents, and observations
• Communicate with treatment teams about youth progress

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass background checks

Preferred

• 2 years of college coursework or experience working with youth
• CPR, First Aid, and crisis intervention certification (or willingness to obtain)

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.