Youth Care Worker

Job Description:   

Under general supervision, the Youth Care Worker provides direct care, supervision, and support to unaccompanied children (UC) in ORR-funded residential or foster care programs. This position ensures the safety, well-being, and development of youth while promoting a structured, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive environment.

Youth Care Workers are responsible for daily routines, recreational and educational support, behavioral guidance, and collaboration with clinical and case management teams to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of children in care.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide 24/7 supervision and support to youth in residential or foster care settings.
• Monitor visits between children and birth families and provide intervention and support. 
• Ensure the safety and security of youth at all times.
• Assist youth with daily living activities including meals, hygiene, and recreation.
• Promote social-emotional development through positive guidance, encouragement, and role modeling.
• Support youth participation in educational, therapeutic, and recreational activities.
• Implement trauma-informed behavior management strategies and positive reinforcement techniques.
• Monitor youth behavior, document incidents, and report concerns to supervisors or clinical staff.
• Respond to emergencies, behavioral crises, or medical situations in accordance with program policies and safety protocols.
• Support youth in developing coping skills, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.

Starting Salary: $19 - $20 an hour.

Qualifications: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework preferred
• Must be bilingual in Spanish.
• A minimum 1-year experience working with children or youth in residential, childcare, or social service settings preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and demonstrate patience, empathy, and resilience.
• Be able to obtain Criminal and Child Abuse Clearance from the State of California/Department of Justice.
• Must be available full-time and able to adjust workday/work week to provide services when clients and families need them, which can routinely include evenings and occasionally weekends, in order to ensure coordination and continuity of services. 
• Must pass a drug screen, physical exam, and Tuberculosis skin test. 
• A Greater Hope participates in E-Verify and will verify your Social Security Number. 
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and a good driving record. Must be at least 18 years old with at least 2 years of driving experience.