Youth Care Worker - 7 AM - 3 PM

About the role

The Youth Care Worker reports to the Unit Supervisor I and/or II and is responsible for providing direct care and supervision to children at A Kid’s Place, ensuring their safety, well‑being, and growth. This role fosters positive relationships with youth, teaches life skills, and implements behavior management techniques to create a stable and enriching experience. Additionally, the Youth Care Worker maintains confidentiality, assists with daily living activities, and collaborates with other staff to support individualized service plans.

Responsibilities

• Continuously monitor the youth’s safety, security, and well‑being, intervening to prevent hazards.
• Maintain a positive, caring, respectful demeanor at all times.
• Apply verbal de‑escalation techniques and other behavior management strategies as trained.
• Foster positive relationships using supportive verbal and non‑verbal communication.
• Arrive and depart punctually, maintaining a strong attendance record.
• Maintain confidentiality of the youth’s personal and medical information.
• Assist in preparing and serving meals in a family‑like environment.
• Assist with maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of the group home and its surroundings according to A Kid’s Place policies and standards.
• Teach and reinforce life and independent living skills per child‑specific service plans.
• Provide non‑restraint behavioral interventions as appropriate.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate supervision ratios campus‑wide.
• Transport children to and from school, doctor appointments, and other functions as needed for the program.
• Engage youth in enrichment activities both on‑site and off‑site (e.g., parks, malls, movie theaters).
• Check and respond to emails and communications in a timely manner.
• Communicate effectively with direct care staff during shift changes, sharing pertinent youth and campus updates.
• Understand and support each child’s individualized service plan, providing feedback to the team.
• Complete all required documentation promptly, thoroughly, and accurately.
• Participate in all necessary training and staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required. A minimum of one year of experience working with at‑risk youth, preferably in a residential setting, is highly preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities: Must be 21 years of age or older; ability to pass a Level 2 FDLE background screen, drug screen, and local background screen upon initial hire and annually; valid driver’s license with ability to operate a company vehicle to transport children without restrictions and be insurable by A Kid’s Place’s insurance carrier; abide by a smoke‑free and weapon‑free campus; no alcohol while on duty; ability to function well in a high‑paced, sometimes stressful environment; reliable, punctual, flexible team player; excellent listening and verbal communication skills; excellent problem‑solving skills; proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software; ability to work collaboratively with EEOC rules and accept constructive criticism; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and children from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds; ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion; maintain a professional demeanor with clients, staff, and external parties.

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; frequent sitting, standing, walking, and climbing stairs; frequent stooping, kneeling, and reaching; frequent use of hands and fingers; ability to hear and respond quickly to sounds; ability to communicate effectively with others; close, distance, and peripheral vision.

Schedule

Available Shifts: Sunday – Thursday, 7 AM – 3 PM.