Youth Specialist

ZOE INTERNATIONAL; Acton (CA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 28,929; Full time

Job summary

A youth support organization in Acton, California, is looking for a Youth Specialist to provide trauma-informed care for youth in a safe environment. This full-time position involves supporting youth who have experienced trafficking or trauma, guiding them in life skills, and completing documentation. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and experience working with youth. Responsibilities also include meal planning and participation in training. Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required for the role.
• Must have experience working with youth in a therapeutic setting.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and trauma-informed care for youth in groups.
• Coach youth in practical life skills such as personal care.
• Administer medication and record progress towards personal goals.

Skills

Effective trauma-informed care

Interpersonal skills (empathy, listening)

Problem-solving skills

Engaging youth from diverse backgrounds

Education

Bachelor’s degree

12 semester units of Early Childhood Education or related fields

Certification as Alcohol/Drug Counselor

Job description

Join ZOE International as a Youth Specialist.

Pursue a rewarding role supporting youth in a safe environment. Location: Acton, CA.

Base pay range

$19.00/hr - $21.00/hr

Job Summary

Youth Specialists help foster an environment of love and safety for youth who have been trafficked or experienced other traumatic forms of abuse. They provide direct care for youth placed at ZOE Home for Youth, participating in a wide range of daily activities alongside youth, offering support and mentoring in areas such as education, recreation, cleaning, and cooking.

Reports to STRTP ADMINISTRATOR.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision, protection, and trauma-informed care for youth individually and in groups.
• Coach youth in the development of practical life skills (e.g., cleaning, home maintenance, and personal care).
• Train and mentor youth in the development of higher‑level life skills (e.g., healthy response to fear reminders, conflict resolution, problem‑solving, teamwork, and goals management).
• Administer discipline and set limits for behavior to foster individual development and a safe living environment.
• Supervise and assist during home‑based learning.
• Administer medications as appropriate and in accordance with training.
• Record progress of each youth toward personal goals; identify needs for professional services and communicate findings to the Facility Manager or professional staff.
• Assist with nutritious and culturally relevant meal planning and preparation.
• Participate in staff meetings and staff trainings.
• Perform record‑keeping functions as directed.
• Perform other functions as directed by supervisory staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Completion of 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education plus at least 100 hours of experience working with youth
• Valid Certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor, or Alcohol and Drug Counselor plus at least 100 hours of experience working with youth
• One year of full‑time employment or documented volunteer experience (or equivalent hours) in a group home, short‑term residential therapeutic program, or substance abuse treatment center

Other Requirements

• Ability to provide effective trauma‑informed care for youth
• Excellent interpersonal skills (empathy, listening, and verbal communication)
• Good written communication skills
• Problem‑solving skills in a collaborative manner
• Ability to engage and develop rapport with youth from diverse backgrounds
• Consistent behavioral limits through relationship‑based interventions
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Valid California Driver’s license and good driving record (Department of Motor Vehicle printout required)
• Behavior reflecting the standards of a role model for youth served at ZOE Home for Youth
• Flexibility
• Good physical health verified by a physician or medical professional, including a tuberculosis screening not more than one year prior to employment or seven days after the first day of employment and repeated annually thereafter
• Criminal record clearance
• Minimum age of 21 years
• Willingness to sign and adhere to ZOE International’s Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, and other policies and procedures

Additional Information

• Verbal fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Other