Youth Care Specialist

youthopportunity; Hastings (FL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

PTO and holidays

Rx delivery

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Professional development

Job summary

Youth Opportunity in Hastings, FL is seeking a Youth Care Specialist to supervise and support 7–10 youths through daily activities, helping them develop the internal skills needed to succeed in a residential program. You will model positive behaviors, ensure safety, and contribute to each youth’s treatment progress with a trauma-informed approach, flexible shifts, and a supportive team environment.

This full-time role includes evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays, with benefits such as

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass background checks.
• 2 years of college coursework or experience working with youth.
• CPR, First Aid, and crisis intervention certification (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

High school diploma

Valid driver’s license

Background checks

Education

2 years of college coursework or experience with youth

Tools

CPR

First Aid

Crisis intervention certification

Job description

Youth Care Specialist – Residential Youth Services

Location: Hastings, FL
Job Type: Full-Time | Various Shifts (Waking & Non-Waking Hours)
Pay: $19.00/ hr
Schedule: Includes evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays

About Youth Opportunity & Deep Creek Youth Academy

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Deep Creek Youth Academy accommodates 117 males aged 12–19 across multiple overlay programs—including IMH, CMH, SAOS, MHOS, BDD/DD, and medically complex care. Delivered within a trauma‑informed, 24/7 residential setting, youth receive individualized clinical services such as Skill Streaming, Living in Balance, MRT, and Impact of Crime, alongside therapeutic recreation, life skills training, and restorative justice. Onsite nursing, psychiatric care, licensed dietitian meals, incentive systems, and Youth Advisory Board input foster engagement. Length of stay is tied to treatment progress, criminogenic risk reduction, and readiness to reintegrate

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.

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)

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

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.