Direct Support Specialist

About the Role

As a Youth Support Specialist, you will provide essential in‑home and community‑based support to children and families. Your role is to empower youth by teaching coping skills, promoting emotional wellness, and teaching essential life skills such as problem‑solving and conflict resolution. You will support families in creating a positive home, school, and social environment while collaborating with a dedicated team of professionals to develop and implement treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide in‑home and community‑based support to children and families.
• Teach coping skills and promote emotional wellness.
• Teach essential life skills, including problem‑solving and conflict resolution.
• Support families in creating positive home, school, and social settings.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Identify individual needs of the child and family and develop personalized treatment plans.
• Guide and support parents and caregivers, equipping them with tools and strategies to manage challenging behaviors and foster a supportive home environment.

Qualifications

• Passionate about working with children and families.
• Experience in behavioral health, social work, psychology, or a related field.
• Strong communication, problem‑solving, and relationship‑building skills.
• Comfortable working in home and community settings.
• Team player with a commitment to making a difference.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED (a related bachelor's degree preferred but not required).
• At least one year of experience working with children who have behavioral and emotional challenges.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Valid Arizona driver’s license with an acceptable 39‑month driving record.
• Reliable transportation, including proof of insurance.
• Negative drug test required.
• Obtain an Arizona DPS Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Complete Adult, Child, and Infant CPR and First Aid training.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling to achieve work‑life balance.
• Career development opportunities.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Competitive pay with growth opportunities.
• Impactful work with direct results for kids and families.
• Supportive, team‑oriented work culture.

Compensation

$18.50 /hr – $20 /hr