Youth Care Specialist

youthopportunity; Wimauma (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with up to 4% employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Free Rx delivery on most medications

Tuition reimbursement and professional

Job summary

Youth Opportunity is hiring a Youth Care Specialist at Lake Parrish Youth Academy in Wimauma, FL. This direct care role supervises 7-10 youths daily, ensuring safety and guiding development of self-management skills in a structured setting.

The position offers full-time hours with 12-hour shifts, opportunities for professional development, and benefits including health insurance and 401(k) matching. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Two years of college coursework in social or human services preferred.
• First Aid, CPR certification required during probation.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Group counseling and leadership skills.
• Analytical thinking and sound judgement.
• Ability to document clearly and objectively.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor a group of 7-10 youth, ensuring safety and well‑being.
• Adhere to procedures on movement, security, contraband, headcounts, and reporting.
• Utilize group counseling techniques and crisis intervention when necessary.
• Provide progress reports to treatment teams and participate in meetings.
• Facilitate daily huddle-ups to encourage accountability and teamwork.
• Support classroom teachers by reinforcing educational content in living units.
• Encourage youth participation in activities promoting learning and growth.
• Document daily shift activities and population counts; communicate key events to incoming shifts.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two years college coursework in social or human services

First Aid/CPR certification

Verbal communication

Group counseling

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Job description

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Wimauma, FL - Lake Parrish Youth Academy
Department: Operations
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $19.00 / hr

Shift: 12 hr shifts 8:00am - 8:00pm and 8:00pm - 8:00am

About Youth Opportunity

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health services for youth. We are committed to providing trauma-informed care, structured support, and individualized services that help young people build stability, develop life skills, and prepare for their next steps.

Our programs are designed to create safe, supportive, and highly structured environments where youth receive consistent guidance, education, behavioral health support, and opportunities for personal growth. Team members play an important role in helping youth develop positive coping skills, strengthen social and independent living skills, and work toward successful outcomes.

At Youth Opportunity, we believe meaningful change happens through connection, consistency, and care. Every role contributes to creating an environment where youth feel supported, challenged, and encouraged as they move forward.

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

We are hiring a Youth Care Specialist to join our team at Lake Parrish 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)
• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire, as required by applicable state licensing regulations.
• 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.