Youth Care Specialist (8154)

Purpose & Impact

This is a direct service delivery position. The Youth Care Specialist supervises youth ages 10-17, provides quality care, ensures a safe and secure environment and transports and accompanies residents with outside activities. As the Youth Care Specialist, you will be that role model and encourage each resident to pursue educational growth as well as everyday life skills.

Essential Functions

• Detects and envisions potential safety and security hazards to youth in residence, subsequently making recommendations and implementing corrective actions as appropriate or required.
• As directed, participates in the implementation and monitoring of client case plans.
• Assists with day-to-day maintenance of the facility in conjunction with the Program Manager.
• Assists with ensuring 24-hour direct care staff coverage in conjunction with the Program Manager.
• Screens clients, conducts initial intakes, and administers client satisfaction surveys as directed.
• Covers youth intakes and orientation during Intake process.
• Assists in maintaining reports in coordination with the Program Manager.
• Supervises youth as needed to include preparation of meals and completion of chores.
• Supervises and schedules maintenance and upkeep of the program vehicles.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned by the Program/Operations Director and/or the Program Manager.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain physically active throughout the workday, including frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, and lifting.
• Able to safely and effectively intervene in crisis situations, including physically guiding or restraining youth when necessary and appropriate, following agency policies and training.
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to move quickly and respond promptly to emergency situations.
• Regularly required to talk and hear; must be able to communicate effectively with youth and team members.
• Able to operate standard office equipment, including computers and phones, as needed for documentation and communication.
• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to ensure the safety of youth in care.
• Must have a high level of energy.
• Must have full physical capabilities such as lifting, bending, cooking, cleaning, and using the telephone.

Education & Experience

• HS Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with youth in an organized/structured setting is preferred, at the discretion of Supervisor/Manager.

Skills

• Good organization, written, and verbal skills.
• Dependability, discretion, and good judgement.
• Able to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, co-workers, and the general public.

Why Work for LSF?

• Offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need.
• Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need.
• Provides growth opportunities as staff explore areas of interest within the organization.
• Amazing benefits package including: Medical, Dental and Vision Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employer paid life insurance (1X salary), 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday, Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year), 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement, Tuition reimbursement.

Principle Accountabilities

• Reports to Program Manager.
• Attends a mandatory monthly staff meeting.
• Detects and envisions safety and security hazards.
• Team player with co-workers and administrators.
• Ensures the maintenance of the shelter.
• Effective staff management and leadership.
• Adheres to Agency policies and procedures.
• Attends all required training.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lutheran Services Florida is an equal opportunity employer. We are mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), we must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.