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.
