Youth Care Specialist

youthopportunity; Elizabethton (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Rx delivery

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Career development

Job summary

Youth Opportunity is hiring a Youth Care Specialist at Elizabethton Youth Academy in Elizabethton, TN. This direct-care role supervises 7-10 youth daily, ensuring safety and well-being while guiding development of self-control and life skills in a structured, therapeutic setting.

The position offers full-time hours, hourly pay of $18–$20, comprehensive benefits including health insurance, 401(k) with match, PTO and holidays, and opportunities for professional growth within a mission-driven team.

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; relate to youth professionally
• 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

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor a group of 7-10 youth, maintaining awareness of their whereabouts
• Ensure safety and security through adherence to procedures
• Utilize group counseling techniques and crisis intervention when necessary
• Represent youth needs and progress to treatment teams with progress reports
• Facilitate daily meetings to encourage accountability and teamwork
• Support classroom teachers by reinforcing educational content
• Encourage youth engagement in activities and programs
• Document daily shift activities and population counts; refer special needs or medical concerns

Skills

Verbal communication

Group counseling

Crisis intervention

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Education

High school diploma

Two years college coursework

Tools

First Aid CPR certification

Job description

Youth Care Specialist – Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Elizabethton, TN
Department: Operations
Job Type: Full-Time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

About Youth Opportunity & Elizabethton Youth Academy

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.

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 Elizabethton, TN

We are hiring a Youth Care Specialist to join our team at Elizabethton 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

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.