Youth Care Specialist
About the role
Crestview Youth Academy in Crestview, Florida, is a secure Youth Academy serving males ages 13 to 17, delivering trauma-informed care across mental health and substance abuse needs. The program combines clinical therapy, education, restorative justice, therapeutic recreation, and life skills training. Youth typically remain in care based on individualized goals, participating in individual, family, and group therapy; victim impact awareness; vocational and pre-vocational preparation; and enrichment activities such as art, music, and recreation. Small group living units and licensed dietitian-managed meals support emotional stabilization and reintegration planning.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and monitor the activities of a group of 7-10 youth during daily activities, ensuring their safety and well-being while guiding them in developing the internal controls necessary for long-term success.
- Utilize group counseling techniques, individual relationships, positive discipline strategies, and crisis intervention when necessary.
- Represent youth needs and progress to treatment teams and provide progress reports.
- Facilitate daily meetings (“huddle-ups”) to encourage accountability and teamwork.
- Support classroom teachers by reinforcing educational content in living units.
- Encourage and support youth engagement in activities and programs that promote learning and personal growth.
- Document daily shift activities and population counts, refer special needs or medical concerns, and communicate key events to incoming shifts.
Requirements
- A high school diploma or equivalent required; two years of college coursework in a social or human services field preferred.
- Two years of experience working with youth preferred (if no college coursework).
- Strong verbal communication skills; able to relate to youth in a professional, non-patronizing manner.
- Group counseling and leadership skills.
- Analytical thinking and sound judgment.
- Certification in First Aid, CPR, and crisis intervention required during probationary period.
- Ability to document clearly and objectively.
Qualifications
- Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
- Extensive walking and standing required.
- Must be able to respond quickly to youth altercations, self-harm risks, or escape attempts.
- Must be able to participate in physical activities with youth, indoors or outdoors.
- Must be free from communicable diseases as defined by the state.
Skills
- Ability to document clearly and objectively.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with immediate vesting.
- Paid time off (PTO) and 7 paid holidays (earn 4 hours of PTO per pay period).
- Free RX delivery on most medications.
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development.
- Roybal Employee Assistance Program.
- Supportive, mission-driven work environment.
Pay
$19.00 / hr
Schedule
Evening & Overnight / Sunday - Saturday / 8 Hour shifts
How to Apply
Click “Apply Now” through Indeed to submit your application. Or visit www.youthopportunity.com/yourfuture to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.