Youth Care Specialist

About the role

Thompson was founded in 1886 as an orphanage and has grown into an organization operating across the Carolinas, Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Thompson’s continuum of care encompasses three domains: prevention, mental health services, and foster care. All Thompson programs are trauma‑informed and evidence‑based/evidence‑informed with the intention of building resilience in our clients (ages 0‑18) and their families, both virtually and in person. Our values are Excellence, Innovation, Commitment, Caring, and Integrity.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision, support, guidance, and build a therapeutic relationship with the youth under your care.
• Engage with youth in the program, providing direction, structure, and support for their physical and physiological needs.
• Schedule and participate in activities.
• Ensure the physical environment remains clean and safe.
• Complete daily documentation as required by regulatory standards.
• Transport clients as needed for appointments and activities.
• Travel to various residential facilities within the Knoxville area as required.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet any credentialing, licensing, and privileging standards for the program.
• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience working in a residential youth or adult operation, or related experience in child and family services.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite application software.
• Ability to work one of the following full‑time schedules: 1st shift (7 am‑7 pm) or 2nd shift (7 pm‑7 am).

Skills

• Passion for working with and developing youth.
• Enjoy knowing you’re making an impact on the lives of others.
• Alignment with the values of Excellence, Innovation, Commitment, Caring, and Integrity.

Benefits

• 3 weeks paid time off (PTO) the first year plus 10 paid holidays.
• Health, dental, vision, short‑term and long‑term disability, and life insurance options.
• 401(k) match.
• Education reimbursement.
• Clinical supervision reimbursement of $60 for eligible candidates obtaining licensure.
• Eligibility to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through FAFSA after 10 years of service.
• Paid time off for volunteering in the community.
• Free EAP services.
• Mileage reimbursement if applicable.
• iPhone and laptop provided.
• Multiple opportunities for growth.

Pay

Starting pay range: $18 – $21.50 per hour, based on experience.

Schedule

Rotating schedule: 1st shift (7 am‑7 pm) or 2nd shift (7 pm‑7 am). Week 1: Monday, Thursday, Friday. Week 2: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday.