Full Time - Youth Engagement Specialist

About the role

Make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged youth by providing direct care and supervision in a cottage setting. This role involves teaching and modeling social, academic, and independent living skills while supporting Cottage Parents during their time off. The Youth Engagement Specialist reports directly to the Unit Director and is responsible for maintaining a safe, caring, and structured environment in alignment with agency standards.

Responsibilities

• Maintain continuous supervision of assigned youth in accordance with agency standards and applicable licensing or contractual requirements.
• Demonstrate resourcefulness and stewardship in managing cottage resources, including equipment, buildings, and vehicles.
• Ensure cottage, campus grounds, and other assets meet Youth Ranches’ standards.
• Provide support to other cottage staff during daily schedules and assume Cottage Parents’ responsibilities in their absence.
• Abide by agency policies regarding discipline, family and youth rights, child abuse prevention, and confidentiality.
• Maintain effective communication with team members, keeping them informed of youth and cottage-related updates and concerns.
• Practice punctuality and thoroughness in completing required paperwork, including daily notes, Medication Administration Records (MAR), weekly and monthly cottage paperwork, incident reports, and work program time sheets.
• Build connections with youth through participation in cottage crew, work programs, education, chapel, and recreational activities.
• Display dependability, flexibility, and willingness to assist other staff or programs as needed.
• Exercise discretion and appropriate judgment to serve as a role model for youth and fellow staff members.
• Facilitate the moral and spiritual character development of youth in the cottage.
• Participate in and positively implement Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) techniques.
• Provide awake supervision during sleep hours for assigned cottage, if applicable.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain warm, consistent relationships with youth, parents/guardians, and Youth Ranches personnel.
• Basic knowledge of group dynamics, child development, and group living.
• Adequate educational background to guide youth, maintain records, and monitor expenditures per agency guidelines.
• Knowledge and appreciation of spiritual values with the ability to develop moral and ethical values in youth.
• Willingness to work as a team member for the development of youth and families served.
• Ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations.
• Ability to accept and give constructive feedback for personal skill development.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid Florida Driver License with a safe driving record consistent with state laws and agency policy.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Direct experience with youth in an educational or residential care setting is preferred.
• Valid Florida Driver License with a safe driving record consistent with agency policy.

Benefits

• 401(k) Plan with up to 4% company match.
• Annual Leave and Sick Leave.
• 11 Holidays.
• Company Paid Long Term Disability.
• Company Paid Life Insurance.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Eligible for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Health Savings Account, Supplemental Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and Aflac products available.

Pay

$16.00 per hour.