Youth Care Specialist (HOME Team)

Pyxis, Inc; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Pyxis, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas seeks a Youth Care Specialist (HOME Team) to provide care, supervision, and mentorship for youth in foster care across community-based and residential settings.

You will act as a compassionate role model to promote self-awareness, personal growth, and successful transition. Responsibilities include supervising activities, documenting records, enforcing policies, and completing required training.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, integrity and empathy are essential.
• Ability to complete documentation accurately and follow policies.
• Completion of required training within specified timeframes.
• Ability to de-escalate and respond to emergencies; valid driving license and insurance may be required.

Responsibilities

• Support youth in managing behaviors and emotions while communicating with leads and managers.
• Maintain a safe, supportive environment and model positive behavior.
• Engage youth in activities and mentorship to promote growth and success.
• Complete documentation and records accurately and on time.
• Enforce policies and participate in required training.
• Day shift: supervise activities, meals, hygiene, and transportation, build mentoring relationships.
• Night shift: monitor overnight, handle emergencies, light housekeeping, and meal/snack prep.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Integrity

Empathy

Compassion

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Youth Care Specialist (HOME Team) provides care, supervision, and mentorship to youth in the foster care system in community-based and residential settings.

Acting as a compassionate role model, the staff fosters a safe, structured, and supportive environment that promotes self-awareness, personal growth, and successful transition. Duties vary slightly depending on day or night shift assignment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

General Responsibilities (All Shifts):

• Support youth in managing challenging behaviors and emotions while maintaining communication with shift leads and program managers.
• Maintain a safe, supportive environment and model positive behavior.
• Engage youth in activities and mentorship to promote growth, emotional regulation, and success.
• Complete documentation, reports, and required records accurately and on time.
• Enforce organizational policies, including maintaining strict professional boundaries and participate in required training.

Day Shift Responsibilities:

• Supervise youth during activities, free time, and transportation to/from community sites.
• Facilitate hygiene routines, prepare meals and maintain clean, sanitary facilities/homes.
• Build positive mentoring relationships to support youth development and community reintegration.

Night Shift Responsibilities:

• Monitor and engage youth overnight, including bedtime routines, emergencies, and behavioral incidents.
• Maintain a calm, safe environment, including light housekeeping and meal/snack preparation as needed.
• Ensure continuous awake supervision and participant safety throughout the night.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, integrity, empathy, and compassion.
• Ability to complete documentation accurately and follow organizational policies.
• Completion of training (policy/procedure within 10 days; Safe Crisis Management within 90 days).
• Ability and willingness to use de-escalation techniques, including physical interventions.
• Reliable phone and phone service used to communicate during working hours and to complete documentation.
• Reliable transportation, clean driving record, valid license, and proper insurance.
• Ability to pass all required background checks.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with youth with behavioral or mental health challenges or in foster care.
• De-escalation training or experience. CPR and First Aid certification.
• Two years in human services or a related bachelor’s degree.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Transport participants and participate in outdoor activities as needed. May require outside work in hot and/or cold weather.
• Must be able to participate alongside the participants in the assigned community setting.
• Supervise participants continuously for up to 10 hours; ability to work with no off-site breaks.
• Respond to emergencies and assist with light housekeeping, meals, and facility upkeep.
• No smoking while on duty (per DCF regulations).

HOW YOU WILL SPEND YOUR TIME

• 75% Direct client services (including but not limited to community outings, meal preparation, drive time, chores, etc.)
• 10% Completion of required documentation
• 10% Crisis assistance
• 5% Meeting participation and trainings