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Job description
Youth Care Specialist – Youth Behavioral Health
Location: Elizabethton, TN Department: Operations Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $17.00 / hr
Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Elizabethton Youth Academy in Elizabethton, Tennessee is a secure Youth Academy providing trauma-informed residential care for adjudicated boys. Youth benefit from structured education, clinical mental health treatment, restorative justice, and pre-vocational training, delivered in a safe, therapeutic setting.
Youth typically remain in care for 6 to 9 months, participating in individual, family, and group therapy; life skills and social skills training; victim-impact awareness; and restorative justice. Small group living units support family engagement and prepare youth for successful transition to community life.
Position Summary – Youth Care Specialist Job in Elizabethton, TN
We are hiring a Youth Care Specialist to join our team at Elizabethton Youth Academy. This is a direct care position responsible for supervising 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. This role is ideal for compassionate, patient individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
Youth Care Specialist Responsibilities
Supervise and monitor the activities of a group of youth, maintaining constant awareness of their whereabouts
Ensure safety and security through adherence to procedures on movement, security, contraband, headcounts, and reporting
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
Other Duties Include
Participate in required training and professional development
Report incidents or concerns regarding youth or staff conduct
Perform other duties as assigned or needed
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required; two years of college coursework in a social or human services field preferred
2 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
Physical Demands
Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds
Extensive walking and standing required
Ability 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
Other Requirements
Valid driver's license and safe driving record required
Must meet state criminal background check requirements
How to Apply
Click "Apply Now" through Indeed to submit your application. Or visit
to learn more about our mission and career opportunities. Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Worksite address
elizabethton, TN, 37643, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.