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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.