Youth Care Specialist

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 www.youthopportunity.com/yourfuture

Equal Opportunity Employer
Youth Opportunity Investments is an Equal Opportunity Employer