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Job description
Youth Care Specialist
Location: Rockwood, TN
Facility: Roane Youth Academy
Department: Direct Care
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation:
Starting at $19.00/hour
After 90 days of satisfactory performance: $21.00 - $22.50/hour
After 6 months of satisfactory performance: $22.50 - $24.00/hour
$70 gas stipend each pay period for employees living 25+ miles from the facility
About Youth Opportunity & Roane Youth Academy
Youth Opportunity Investments is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Roane Youth Academy in Rockwood, Tennessee, provides trauma-informed residential care in a structured, supportive environment focused on safety, accountability, and positive youth development.
The program combines clinical support, education, life-skills development, and structured daily routines to help youth build internal controls, responsibility, and readiness for successful reintegration into their communities. Programming is delivered within small group living units that emphasize consistency, teamwork, and individualized growth.
About the Role
The Youth Care Specialist is a direct-care position responsible for supervising and supporting a group of 7-10 youth during waking and non-waking hours. While ensuring safety and security through appropriate external controls, Youth Care Specialists play a critical role in teaching youth the internal skills needed to live responsibly as structure is gradually reduced.
This role is ideal for individuals who are compassionate, consistent, and confident in guiding youth through structure, accountability, and positive behavior change.
Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
Paid time off (PTO) and holidays - earn 4 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
Additional Compensation & Incentives Retention Bonuses: $1,500 after one year
$2,500 after two years
$3,500 after three years and each year thereafter
$70 gas stipend per pay period for employees living 25+ miles from the facility
Key Responsibilities Supervise the daily activities of a group of youth, maintaining awareness of all group members at all times
Ensure compliance with procedures related to movement, physical security, contraband, head counts, and reporting
Provide a safe and structured environment using group counseling techniques, positive discipline, and the I-Choose behavior modification system
Utilize crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques as needed to maintain safety
Represent youth needs, progress, and accomplishments to the treatment team or assigned counselor
Facilitate huddles, problem-solving groups, and daily reviews that encourage peer accountability and recognition
Assist classroom teachers by reinforcing educational content and study skills within the living units
Support and promote activity planning, completion, and evaluation to enhance treatment goals
Document daily shift activity, population counts, and significant events in accordance with policy
Make referrals for medical or special needs and provide thorough shift hand-offs
Additional Duties Participate in required training and professional development
Report any incidents or concerns related to youth or staff conduct
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education High school diploma or equivalent required
Two years of college coursework in a social or human services field preferred
Experience Two years of experience working with youth preferred for candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent
Skills Strong verbal communication skills appropriate for working with youth
Group leadership and counseling skills
Ability to think independently, analyze situations, and distinguish fact from opinion
Ability to complete accurate, objective written documentation
First Aid, CPR, and crisis intervention certification required (obtained during probationary period)
Other Requirements Valid state driver's license
Ability to meet all state and criminal background check requirements
Physical Demands
• Must 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
• Must be free of communicable diseases as defined by the state
• Must pass evaluation of physical techniques and certification exams
Apply Today
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a mission-driven team committed to positive youth outcomes, we encourage you to apply on Indeed or visit
Equal Opportunity Employer
Youth Opportunity Investments is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Worksite address
rockwood, TN, 37854, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.