Youth Support Specialist - 1st shift

Youth Opportunity Center; Muncie (IN); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth Opportunity Center is seeking a Youth Support Specialist to provide daily care and supervision for residents. The role emphasizes building professional relationships, meeting basic needs, and implementing a structured daily schedule in a supportive environment.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and being at least 21 years old. Candidates should demonstrate adaptability, strong communication, and a commitment to resident growth and safety.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or equivalency and be 21+.
• Must demonstrate ability to build professional resident relationships with genuine concern.
• Ability to implement a daily schedule and provide structured support.
• Demonstrates cultural awareness and respectful engagement with residents.

Responsibilities

• Provides appropriate supervision of residents in their care
• Connects with residents as a role model and ensures immediate needs are met
• Provides positive reinforcement while redirecting and mentoring
• Responds to crisis situations appropriately
• Adheres to all policies and procedures including personnel, operational, and transportation
• Monitors resident progress and documents accordingly
• Completes daily documentation with attention to detail

Skills

Consistency & fairness

Creativity & adaptability

Positive role model

Clear communication

Problem solving

Relationship building

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; 21+

Job description

A youth support specialist is responsible for meeting the basic needs of all residents placed under their direct care and supervision. This position requires the ability to develop professional relationships with residents while demonstrating a genuine concern for, understanding of, and willingness to help the resident with their treatment needs. A youth support specialist is able to provide structure through the implementation of a daily schedule and remains fair and consistent in their daily interactions with residents.

Youth Support Specialist

Full Time 1st shift

$16.10 Hourly

Position Summary

A youth support specialist is responsible for meeting the basic needs of all residents placed under their direct care and supervision. This position requires the ability to develop professional relationships with residents while demonstrating a genuine concern for, understanding of, and willingness to help the resident with their treatment needs. A youth support specialist is able to provide structure through the implementation of a daily schedule and remains fair and consistent in their daily interactions with residents.

Primary Job Expectations

• Provides appropriate supervision of residents in their care
• Connects with residents as a role model and ensures immediate needs are met
• Provides positive reinforcement while redirecting and mentoring
• Responds to crisis situations appropriately
• Adheres to all policies and procedures set forth by YOC including personnel, operational, and transportation
• Monitors resident progress and documents accordingly
• Completes daily documentation with attention to detail

Education & Experience Needed

Must have a high school diploma or equivalency. Must be 21 years of age

FUNDAMENTAL QUALIFICATION

Must be able to demonstrate awareness of the cultural and socioeconomic differences of our clients as well as value a nurturing family as the ideal environment; a commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems and a conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change; the ability to establish a respectful relationship with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence by maintaining a helping role and appropriately intervening to meet service goals; the ability to set appropriate limits.

Knowledge & Skills Needed

• Ability to be consistent, fair, and structured while building relationships
• Willingness to take on new challenges and be creative
• Positive Role Model
• Must be adaptable and flexible in dealing with a variety of people and situations
• Ability to communicate clearly with a wide range of people including a variety of internal and external constituents
• Able to identify problems and resolve them in a timely and appropriate manner

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

WORKING CONDITIONS

Typical work week is 40 hours for full time staff, 16-32 hours per week for part time staff. Scheduled days and times will vary depending on department and shift assigned. Position requires additional hours when necessary to maintain the safety and security of campus. Youth support specialists will have regular contact with their immediate supervisor and clinical staff. Direct contact with placing agencies and families of residents by phone and in person is a function of this position. Courtesy and professionalism are expected at all times.