Youth Care Specialist

Youth Care Specialist – Residential Youth Services

Location: Rockdale, TX
Job Type: Full-Time | Various Shifts (Waking & Non-Waking Hours)
Pay: $17.00/hr
Schedule: Includes evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays

 About Youth Opportunity & Rockdale Youth Academy (Rockdale, TX)

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. Rockdale Youth Academy in Rockdale, Texas is a 65‑bed secure Youth Academy for males ages 10 to 17, offering trauma‑informed care across mental health, substance abuse, and sex‑offender treatment needs. The center integrates clinical therapy, education (via Inspire Academy, including GED prep), restorative justice, therapeutic recreation, and life skills training.

Youth typically stay 6 to 9 months, engaging in individual, family, and group therapy; victim‑impact awareness; pre‑vocational preparation; and enrichment activities such as art, music, and recreation. Small group living units, Youth Advisory Board‑guided incentive programs, and licensed dietitian‑managed nutrition support stabilization and reintegration planning.

About the Role

As a Youth Care Specialist, you will supervise and support 7–10 youth through daily activities while helping them develop the internal skills they need to succeed. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring safety, modeling positive behaviors, and contributing to each youth’s treatment progress.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor youth activities, safety, and well-being


• Facilitate group meetings and support conflict resolution


• Implement behavior management systems and de-escalation techniques


• Assist with schoolwork, activities, and treatment goals


• Document daily progress, incidents, and observations


• Communicate with treatment teams about youth progress

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent


• Valid driver’s license


• Ability to pass background checks

Preferred:

• 2 years of college coursework or experience working with youth


• CPR, First Aid, and crisis intervention certification (or willingness to obtain)

Apply Today

Make a difference with us. Apply through Indeed or visit www.youthopportunity.com.

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.