Youth Support Specialist

Colonial Group; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, AD&D, Life

Generous leave time

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Training and certification programs

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Home of the Innocents is seeking a compassionate Youth Support Specialist to help children build essential life skills in a nurturing, therapeutic setting in Louisville, KY.

You will supervise youth, support daily living skills, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to implement individualized treatment plans. This full-time role requires a driver’s license and a commitment to trauma-informed care.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in human services preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record required.
• Experience with recovery-based treatment plans and behaviorally oriented programs preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide active supervision and engagement with youth in activities, therapy and school.
• Support youth in developing daily living skills such as meals, hygiene, chores, and independent living tasks.
• Create a safe and secure environment through trauma-informed care and crisis intervention.
• Model and reinforce positive behaviors, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to implement individualized treatment plans and goals.
• Participate in training and professional development to enhance skills in trauma-informed care.

Skills

Active supervision

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Team collaboration

Positive relationship building

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in human services (preferred)

Job description

We are looking for a compassionate, dependable and resilient Youth Support Specialist to join our team. If you are looking for a meaningful opportunity where you can help children build essential life skills, we want you on our team!

Employment Type: Full-Time

Shifts Available:

• 1st Shift: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• 2nd Shift: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Pay: From $17.50 / hour

A Day in the Life

As a Youth Support Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in creating a therapeutic and nurturing environment for the children in our care. Your work will directly impact their growth and development, helping them build essential life skills, develop positive relationships, and navigate challenges with confidence.

How This Position Contributes to our Mission

• Provide active supervision and engagement with youth in activities, therapy and school
• Support youth in developing daily living skills such as meals, hygiene, chores, and independent living tasks
• Create a safe and secure environment through trauma-informed care and crisis intervention
• Model and reinforce positive behaviors, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to implement individualized treatment plans and goals
• Participate in training and professional development to enhance your skills in trauma-informed care

Youth Support Specialist Skills and Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in human service field (Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Criminal Justice) preferred
• Valid driver's license with a clear driving record required
• Experience working with recovery-based treatment plans and behaviorally oriented programs preferred
• Ability to thrive in a challenging yet rewarding environment, maintaining positive relationships with clients, families and team members
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs as needed

What You’ll Receive as a Valued Member of Home of the Innocents

• Comprehensive benefits package (Medical, Dental, Vision, AD&D, and Life)
• Generous leave time
• 401(k) with employer match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Training and certification opportunities
• Professional development opportunities

Who We Are

Home of the Innocents is one of Louisville’s longest-serving non-profit organizations, approaching 150 years of service to children and families. Our mission is simple and clear: to enrich lives with hope, health, and happiness.

We are a trauma-informed organization, prioritizing safety, recovery, and strong relationships in everything we do. Our leadership is committed to building a workforce grounded in compassion, excellence, empowerment, and wellness.

We are an organization growing to meet the needs of children and young adults in our community-expanding our programs and investing in our campus, including the addition of a new wing at the Kosair for Kids Complex Care Center that will double our capacity to serve medically complex individuals.

Our Impact

3,976 children and families served in 2025

22-acre campus located near downtown Louisville

Second largest Residential Treatment Program in Kentucky

Only dedicated emergency shelter for children in the city

10 programs supporting children and families across a range of needs, including:

• Therapeutic and residential treatment for youth with complex behavioral and emotional needs
• Emergency shelter for children in crisis
• Foster care and adoption support
• Community-based behavioral health services
• Kosair for Kids Complex Care Center (KCC): Kentucky’s only pediatric skilled nursing facility providing residential and respite care for children and young adults with complex medical needs