Youth Care Specialist / Mental Health Tech

About the role

The Youth Care Specialist / Mental Health Technician is a direct-care position responsible for the supervision, safety, and daily support of youth in a residential or assessment setting. This role provides structured guidance while modeling appropriate behavior, reinforcing positive decision-making, and supporting treatment goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision to a group of approximately 7–10 youth during waking and non-waking hours
• Maintain constant awareness of youth whereabouts and ensure compliance with safety, security, and movement procedures
• Create and maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment using trauma-informed care principles
• Utilize group counseling techniques, individual relationships, and positive discipline strategies, including the I-Choose behavior management system
• Apply crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques when necessary to maintain safety
• Conduct group meetings, huddles, problem-solving sessions, and daily reviews to reinforce accountability and positive peer interaction
• Represent youth progress, needs, and concerns to the treatment team or designated counselor
• Assist classroom teachers with supervision and reinforcement of educational content within living units
• Support youth participation in recreational, educational, and treatment-related activities
• Document daily shift activities, incidents, and population counts in accordance with policy
• Communicate critical information to oncoming shifts to ensure continuity of care
• Make referrals for medical or special needs as appropriate
• Report any incidents or concerns related to youth safety or boundary violations
• Participate in required training and professional development activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Two years of college coursework in a social or human services field preferred
• For candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of experience working with youth preferred
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to build respectful, professional relationships with youth
• Demonstrated group leadership and counseling skills
• Ability to think independently, analyze situations, and respond appropriately
• Able to complete accurate, objective written documentation
• First Aid, CPR, and approved crisis intervention certifications must be obtained during the probationary period
• Valid state driver’s license required
• Must meet all state and criminal background check requirements

Qualifications

• Able to be in good physical health and emotionally stable
• Able to actively engage with youth, participate in physical interventions, and transport youth or staff as needed
• Able to pass evaluation of physical techniques and certification exams