Youth Care Specialist (EA)

Youth Care Specialist – Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Elizabethton, TN
Department: Operations
Job Type: Full-Time 

Pay: $17.00 / hr 

About Youth Opportunity & Elizabethton Youth Academy

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.

Youth Care Specialist Job Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with up to 4% employer match with immediate vesting

Paid time off (PTO) and 7 paid holidays (earn 4 hours of PTO per 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?

Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth

Gain experience in a growing field of youth mental health and residential care

Work in a secure, structured, and supportive treatment environment

Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

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 http://www.youthopportunity.com/yourfuture to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.