Youth Care Specialist

Youth Care Specialist – Youth Behavioral Health

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

Pay: $18.00 - $19.00 / hr 

About Youth Opportunity & Memphis Youth Academy

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. Memphis Youth Academy in Memphis, Tennessee is a higher‑capacity Youth Academy (approx. 68 beds) serving boys ages 13 to 18 in a trauma‑informed residential setting. The program integrates clinical mental health and behavioral treatment with daily academic instruction, art, music, recreation, and social skills development.

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 Memphis, TN

We are hiring a Youth Care Specialist to join our team at Memphis 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.