Youth Care Specialist
Be the steady hand. Be the safe space. Be the difference.
Do you believe every young person deserves someone who sees their strength before their struggle?
Are you energized by mentoring, guiding, and helping youth unlock their potential?
We’re looking for a compassionate, resilient, and purpose-driven Youth Care Specialist to walk alongside young people as they build confidence, life skills, and brighter futures.
Schedule & Availability:This position is a PRN (as-needed) role, offering flexible scheduling based on program and staffing needs. PRN staff provide coverage across all shifts, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
Priority staffing needs include:
- Curfew Center shifts: Friday and Saturday nights from 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM
- Major holidays and holiday weekends
- Coverage for staff absences, increased program needs, and special events
Candidates should be comfortable working a flexible schedule and available to accept shifts as needed to support youth and program operations.
What You’ll Do
As a Youth Care Specialist, you are more than staff — you are a mentor, coach, advocate, and role model.
You will:
Engage & Inspire – Build meaningful connections that empower youth to explore their goals and discover their strengths.
Implement Individualized Plans – Support youth-centered, strengths-based programming that helps residents transition to less restrictive settings.
Practice Trauma-Informed Care – Use thoughtful language and approaches that promote healing, dignity, and growth.
Teach Life Skills – Facilitate group training in hygiene, self-care, community resources, and independent living skills.
Provide Transportation – Safely transport youth to appointments, activities, and programming (local travel required; personal vehicle use expected).
Document with Purpose – Complete accurate electronic health record (EHR) documentation and reports.
Prepare Meals & Daily Support – Help create a stable, nurturing daily routine.
Collaborate with Team Members – Participate in meetings, shift transitions, supervision, and ongoing training.
Ensure Safety – Maintain awareness of youth whereabouts and create a safe, structured environment at all times.
Who You Are
You are:
Trauma-informed and equity-minded
Skilled in LGBTQ+ and racial equity practices
Patient, adaptable, and solution-focused
Comfortable facilitating group activities
Strong in interpersonal communication
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Calm and confident in high-stress environments
Work Environment
This role operates in a professional residential setting, which may include shelters, group homes, or detention facilities serving youth ages 0–24.
This position is:
On-site (no remote option)
Considered essential
Physically active and demanding
Exposed to potentially high-stress situations
You must be comfortable with:
Standing, walking, bending, and lifting 50+ lbs regularly
Working evenings, weekends, holidays, or overnight shifts as needed
Exposure to challenging behaviors and crisis situations
Qualifications
Required:
Preferred:
Bachelor’s degree
1+ year experience working with youth
Background or coursework in education, social work, or psychology
Why This Role Matters
You will be the person who:
Helps a young person regain control after a crisis
Teaches life skills that change someone’s future
Models healthy communication and problem-solving
Provides stability when life feels uncertain
This is not just a job.
It’s an opportunity to transform lives — including your own.
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you are passionate about youth advocacy, believe in second chances, and thrive in meaningful, hands-on work, we encourage you to apply.
Join us in helping youth reach their full potential — one connection at a time.
Why Work with Lighthouse Youth & Family Services:
- Rewarding career - make a difference in the lives of youth!
- Work for a diverse, seasoned, and well-respected agency with engaged leadership team
- Recovery Friendly Workplace
- Ability to work remotely for some roles.
- Competitive pay based on licensure/education.
- Generous Paid Time Off (23 days prorated based on hire date) and Other Paid Leave Options (Holidays, FMLA, Bereavement and Parental Leave)
- Medical, dental, vision, including company paid life and long-term disability insurance.
- 401k Retirement Plan including company match (up to 6%)
- Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Reimbursement Benefit
- Department of Education’s Loan Forgiveness Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Engaging Wellness Program
- Referral Bonus Program
- Licensure renewal reimbursement; paid training and professional development opportunities
- Ability to obtain internal supervision towards increased licensure.
- Paid assistance with obtaining Trauma-Informed Care certification.
- Business casual/casual dress