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Job description
Youth Care Specialist – Youth Behavioral Health
Location: Orlando, FL (Orange Youth Academy) Department: Operations Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $19.00/hr
About Youth Opportunity & Orange Youth Academy
Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Orange Youth Academy in Orlando, Florida, is a 56-bed, non-secure residential program serving males ages 14 to 21. The program provides Intensive Mental Health Treatment Services, Mental Health Overlay Services, and Substance Abuse Treatment Overlay Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Orange Youth Academy provides individualized mental health and substance use treatment through a trauma-informed approach. Youth participate in individual, family, and group therapy; social and life skills training; victim impact awareness; restorative justice programming; aggression replacement training; and other evidence-based services.
Educational services are provided through Florida Scholars Academy, offering individualized support and pathways toward earning a high school diploma or equivalent, industry-recognized credentials, and postsecondary education. The program helps youth strengthen protective factors, meet individualized treatment goals, and prepare for successful community reintegration.
Position Summary – Youth Care Specialist Job in Orlando, FL
We are hiring a Youth Care Specialist to provide direct supervision and support to youth at Orange Youth Academy. This position supervises a group of seven to 10 youth during waking and non-waking hours while maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
Youth Care Specialists provide the external structure necessary to maintain safety while helping youth develop the internal controls, decision-making skills, and personal responsibility needed for long-term success.
Youth Care Specialist Job Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
Paid time off and holidays – Earn four hours of PTO every pay period
Free RX delivery on most medications
Tuition reimbursement and professional development
Robust Employee Assistance Program
Supportive, mission-driven work environment
Why Join Youth Opportunity?
Make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable youth
Gain hands-on experience in youth behavioral health and residential care
Work in a structured, supportive, and team-oriented treatment environment
Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities
Youth Care Specialist Responsibilities
Supervise a group of seven to 10 youth and maintain awareness of each youth's location and activities
Follow established procedures regarding youth movement, safety, contraband, population counts, and incident reporting
Provide a safe and supportive environment using positive discipline, relationship-building, crisis intervention, and de-escalation techniques
Use the I-Choose behavior modification system to recognize progress, reinforce positive choices, and address behavioral concerns
Communicate each youth's needs, challenges, progress, and accomplishments to the treatment team
Conduct huddle-ups, problem-solving group meetings, and daily reviews with assigned youth
Provide appropriate prompts and interventions that encourage teamwork, accountability, and positive recognition
Assist classroom teachers with educational activities and reinforce classroom content and study practices within the living units
Help youth plan, complete, and evaluate daily activities
Create opportunities for youth participation, achievement, and individual recognition
Document shift activities, population counts, behavioral concerns, and unusual incidents accurately and objectively
Make referrals for medical evaluations or other specialized needs
Brief incoming employees regarding significant events from the previous shift
Other Duties Include
Participate in required training and professional development activities
Report any acts, incidents, or conditions reflecting the possibility of inappropriate youth-to-youth or staff-to-youth relationships
Report unusual incidents and any use of physical intervention according to established guidelines
Perform other duties as assigned or needed
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
Ability to communicate effectively with youth in a respectful, professional, and age-appropriate manner
Group leadership and relationship-building skills
Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities
Ability to distinguish between facts, opinions, causes, and effects
Ability to think and act independently while following established policies and procedures
Ability to provide accurate and objective written documentation of shift activities and unusual incidents
Ability to obtain First Aid, CPR, and approved crisis-intervention certifications during the probationary period
Ability to pass required background checks and pre-employment screenings
Preferred Experience
Two years of college coursework in a social services, human services, behavioral health, criminal justice, or related field
Two or more years of experience working with youth
Previous experience in residential care, behavioral health, education, social services, or a similar structured environment
Other Requirements
Physical Demands: Must be able to lift 30 pounds from floor level to shoulder height. Extensive walking and standing are required. Must be able to recognize and respond quickly to youth altercations, attempts at self-harm, or attempts to leave the program without authorization. Must be able to perform approved physical intervention techniques and participate with youth in active and passive individual or group activities indoors and outdoors, including occasionally during inclement weather. Must be capable of transporting youth and meet applicable communicable-disease requirements.
Other: Must maintain an appropriate and valid state driver's license. Must meet all applicable state criminal background check and pre-employment screening requirements.
How to Apply
Click "Apply Now" through Indeed to submit your application. You can also visit to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.
Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Worksite address
orlando, FL, 32885, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.