Direct Care Support Professional

About the role

At Kentucky United Methodist Children’s Homes (KyUMH), Youth Care Associates work directly with teen boys in residential treatment who are learning how to manage emotions, handle conflict, build healthier relationships, and move toward a more stable future. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and meaningful.

Responsibilities

• Build professional, supportive relationships with youth ages 12-17
• Create a safe, structured, and respectful environment
• Teach and reinforce emotional regulation, communication, responsibility, and problem-solving skills
• Support youth through stressful situations, setbacks, conflict, and behavioral crises
• Work as part of a team to maintain safety and consistency
• Use verbal de-escalation and Safe Crisis Management techniques when necessary (training provided)
• Participate in recreational activities, transportation, meals, daily routines, and community activities
• Model professionalism, emotional control, accountability, and healthy boundaries
• Encourage youth growth while maintaining clear expectations and consistency

Who Succeeds in This Role?

The people who tend to thrive here are:

• Calm under pressure
• Consistent and dependable
• Emotionally steady
• Team-oriented
• Good communicators
• Able to balance empathy with accountability
• Comfortable setting healthy boundaries
• Able to stay professional during stressful situations

Successful staff come from many different backgrounds, including:

• Behavioral health, social work, human services, or psychology
• Education
• Criminal justice, first responder, or military experience
• Youth programs, coaching, or mentoring

You do not need prior experience in residential treatment to succeed here. We provide training and support for the right people.

What You’ll Receive

• Paid training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and de-escalation
• Hands-on experience in behavioral health and youth mentorship
• Supportive team environment
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and mental health care
• Eight paid holidays plus one floating holiday
• Tuition assistance and continuing education support
• Employee Assistance Program

Position Details

• Location: Nicholasville, KY
• Department: Treatment
• Schedule: Full-time and part-time positions available
• Pay: $16 - $18/hour based on education and experience

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Kentucky Driver’s License
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening
• Ability to complete Safe Crisis Management training
• CPR/First Aid certification required (training provided)

About KyUMH

For more than 150 years, KyUMH has served youth and families through residential treatment and supportive services designed to help young people build safer, healthier, and more stable futures.

Equal Opportunity Employer

KyUMH is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.