Youth Development Specialist III

Yfainc; South Brooksville (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth and Family Advocates, Inc. seeks a dedicated Youth Development Specialist to supervise adolescents in a residential setting, ensuring safety and applying trauma-informed care principles. Candidates should have strong communication skills and relevant experience, contributing to a supportive environment for youth.

Benefits

13 Days of PTO, Incrementally Increasing Annually

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Continuous training and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Preferred knowledge of trauma-informed principles.
• Experience in residential settings.
• Ability to manage reactions to traumatic situations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise clients aged 10-17 in a residential program.
• Oversee operations during shifts and support staff.
• Implement trauma-informed practices.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Communication

Empathy

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Description

WHY WORK AT YFA?

We tackle some of the world's toughest problems. Our employees are an incredible group of compassionate, committed individuals, drawn by the opportunity to make a difference. Year over year, our employees report they are proud to work here and are willing to go above and beyond in service of our mission to create a safe, nurturing environment for children.

Youth and Family Advocates, Inc. (YFA) a progressive not-for-profit organization of 350+ staff who are dedicated to working in partnership with communities and families to create a safe, nurturing environment for children and to lead the way in building a bridge for children to have a stable and loving family. This is why “Family” is our middle name! Established in 1970, YFA has been around for over 50 years, with services spanning seven counties across Florida.

No matter the role, we believe every team member at YFA has a critical role in supporting our children and our communities and we constantly strive to ensure a positive, purpose-driven, dynamic work environment for you to learn, grow and meet your fullest potential. If these values appeal to you and you would like to invest your time, energy, and talent in a cause that can make a difference in a child and family’s future, then we may have a place for you on our team!

Put your talents to use in a culture of care where you can make the world a better place!

POSITION SUMMARY: The Youth Development Specialist is responsible for the supervision of clients (10-17 years of age) in a residential program.

In addition to the duties and requirements listed below, YFA expects employees to be committed to incorporating principles of trauma-informed care in all areas of service delivery. Commitment to these principles is demonstrated through active participation in agency-required trainings, use of trauma-informed practices, and understanding that trauma-informed environments require cultural sensitivity and an emphasis on a safe and respectful environment for all.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Serves as shift lead as scheduled
• Oversees the operations of a residential shift
• Supports Youth Development Specialists (YDS) during shifts
• Oversees and performs daily tasks and activities
• Assesses and responds to critical situations using on-call support and consulting Residential Director when needed
• Ensures completion of required documentation during shift
• Uses Youth Development System (YDS) to identify key development areas for each youth, coordinating with Shelter Counselors, Residential Supervisor, and Director
• Takes on on-call responsibilities when supervisor is absent
• Trains and shadows new staff
• Supervises residents under guidance of Residential Supervisor
• Assigns chores and teaches residents how to complete them
• Encourages task completion with focus on personal development
• Ensures cleanliness and safety of shelter and property; performs cleaning tasks as needed
• Maintains a clean and orderly environment during downtime
• Monitors and reports unusual resident behavior
• Uses proactive crisis intervention techniques to prevent escalation
• Enforces discipline, assigns consequences, and applies crisis intervention methods when trained
• Monitors residents’ location to ensure they remain on property; alerts law enforcement/guardians if necessary
• Leads group discussions per the Youth Development System
• Plans and participates in recreational activities that align with developmental goals
• Completes all necessary documentation including monitoring notes, incident reports, and case records
• Handles intake paperwork for new residents
• Transports residents if over 21 and cleared to do so
• Creates a safe, welcoming, and non-traumatizing environment
• Applies trauma-informed care practices and considers individual needs and experiences
• Practices self-care and seeks support to prevent burnout
• Follows all agency policies and procedures
• Upholds and embodies the agency’s mission and core values
• Communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing
• Maintains professional boundaries
• Treats clients, families, partners, and coworkers with respect
• Works with limited autonomy under supervisor and shift lead direction
• Collaborates well in team settings
• Accepts and follows guidance from supervisors
• Able to transport clients when needed
• Available to work during extreme weather (e.g., hurricanes, tropical storms)
• Comfortable using computers
• Listens actively and provides a judgment-free, safe space
• Promotes a culture of respect and kindness with youth and staff

Location: New Beginnings Youth Shelter - 18377 Sheriff Mylander Way, Brooksville, FL 34601

Requirements

WHAT YOU NEED:

Education and Experience: High School diploma or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree preferred or 5+ years of direct work experience with adolescents. Work experience in a residential setting plus a Florida driver’s license with a clean DMV record.

Preferred knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed principles and practices, including the importance of creating a safe environment, fostering trust, promoting collaboration, and empowering individuals.

Ability to manage personal reactions to traumatic stories and situations and communicate a sense of trust and safety. Ability to understand and empathize with individuals, recognizing the impact of trauma on emotions, relationships, and overall well-being.

Physical Requirements: Requires a high degree of physical activity including the ability to run, jump, bend, and stand for significant time periods (2+ hours), lift, and carry 50+ pounds. The ability to travel on a regional basis as needed for training and transport.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

At YFA, we are as dedicated to our team members as we are to our mission! YFA provides:

• 13 Days of PTO, Incrementally Increasing Annually
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 5 Days Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Paid Life Insurance
• Legal Services
• ID Monitoring
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Immediate eligibility for 403b Savings Plan with match after 12 months
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities

And of course, an opportunity to make the world a better place!

Youth and Family Advocates is committed to fostering a trauma informed workplace culture, to include a commitment to ensuring that employees interact with children, families, and each other in ways that promote healing, resiliency, and responsiveness to the impact of trauma in the lives of individuals.

Youth and Family Advocates is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We adhere to the principles of affirmative action and strictly prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on these protected characteristics.

Youth and Family Advocates comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, training, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and other privileges of employment.

Youth and Family Advocates are committed to promoting a healthy and safe work environment, which is why we always maintain a smoke-free workplace. All forms of tobacco or vaping products of any kind at any time on our premises. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas, as well as outdoor spaces. Individuals must leave our campus, which includes our parking lots and other public areas, to smoke, vape, or use smokeless tobacco.