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Youth Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health Location: Crestview, FL Department: Operations Job Type: Full-Time Evening & Overnight / Sunday - Saturday / 8 Hour shifts Pay: $19.00 / hr About Youth ...

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health Location: Orlando, FL (Orange Youth Academy) Department: Operations Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $19.00/hr About Youth Opportunity & Orange Youth Academy ...

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health Location: Orlando, FL (Orange Youth Academy) Department: Operations Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $19.00/hr About Youth Opportunity & Orange Youth Academy ...

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health Location: Kissimmee, FL Department: Operations Job Type: Full-Time Pay: [Insert Pay Range] About Youth Opportunity & Kissimmee Youth Academy Youth ...

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health Location: Ocala, FL Department: Operations Job Type: PRN Pay: $19.00 / hr About Youth Opportunity & Ocala Youth Academy Youth Opportunity is a ...

Youth Care Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

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 ...

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health Location: Kissimmee, FL Department: Operations Job Type: Full-Time Pay: [Insert Pay Range] About Youth Opportunity & Kissimmee Youth Academy Youth ...

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health Location: Ocala, FL Department: Operations Job Type: PRN Pay: $19.00 / hr About Youth Opportunity & Ocala Youth Academy Youth Opportunity is a ...

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health Location: Crestview, FL Department: Operations Job Type: Full-Time Evening & Overnight / Sunday - Saturday / 8 Hour shifts Pay: $19.00 / hr About Youth ...

Youth Care Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

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 ...

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health Location: Wimauma, FL - Lake Parrish Youth Academy Department: Operations Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $19.00 / hr Shift: 12 hr shifts 8:00am - 8:00pm and ...

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health Location: Wimauma, FL - Lake Parrish Youth Academy Department: Operations Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $19.00 / hr Shift: 12 hr shifts 8:00am - 8:00pm and ...

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How much do youth care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth care in the United States is $18.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a youth care worker?

Youth care workers are professionals who provide support, supervision, and guidance to children and adolescents, often in residential facilities, shelters, or community programs. Their main goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of young people while helping them develop life skills, address behavioral issues, and achieve personal growth. Youth care workers often collaborate with social workers, educators, and families to create a nurturing environment and connect youth with essential resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth care worker?

To thrive as a Youth Care Worker, you need knowledge of child and adolescent development, crisis intervention, and a relevant qualification such as a diploma or degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with case management systems, incident reporting tools, and certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Strong soft skills include empathy, patience, active listening, and effective communication to build trust and support positive behavior change. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive growth of youth in care settings.

What are some common challenges faced by youth care workers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Youth care workers often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral issues, building trust with youth from diverse backgrounds, and maintaining emotional resilience. Handling these situations requires strong communication skills, patience, and consistent application of behavioral management strategies. Collaboration with colleagues, participating in regular training, and accessing support resources are essential for effectively managing stress and ensuring a positive environment for both staff and youth.

What is the difference between Youth Care vs Youth Counselor?

AspectYouth CareYouth Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification or trainingHigh school diploma; often requires certification or licensure in counseling or related fields
Work EnvironmentResidential facilities, group homes, community programsSchools, community centers, counseling offices
Employer & Industry UsageChild and youth service agencies, social servicesEducational institutions, mental health agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in youth support servicesCareer options in youth mental health and guidance

Both Youth Care and Youth Counselor roles focus on supporting youth, but Youth Care typically involves working in residential or community settings providing daily care and supervision. Youth Counselors often work in schools or counseling centers, focusing on mental health and guidance. While credentials overlap, Youth Care roles emphasize hands-on care, whereas Youth Counselors may require additional counseling certifications.

More about Youth Care jobs

What cities are hiring for Youth Care jobs?

Cities with the most Youth Care job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Care jobs?

The most popular types of Youth Care jobs are:

What states have the most Youth Care jobs?

States with the most job openings for Youth Care jobs include:

Infographic showing various Youth Care job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,034 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Youth Care Specialist

Crestview, FL • On-site

Youth Opportunity
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Job description

Youth Care Specialist - Youth Behavioral Health
Location: Crestview, FL
Department: Operations
Job Type: Full-Time Evening & Overnight / Sunday - Saturday / 8 Hour shifts
Pay: $19.00 / hr
About Youth Opportunity & Crestview Youth Academy
Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. Crestview Youth Academy in Crestview, Florida, is a secure Youth Academy serving males ages 13 to 17, delivering trauma-informed care across mental health and substance abuse needs. The program combines clinical therapy, education, restorative justice, therapeutic recreation, and life skills training. Youth typically remain in care based on individualized goals, participating in individual, family, and group therapy; victim impact awareness; vocational and pre-vocational preparation; and enrichment activities such as art, music, and recreation. Small group living units and licensed dietitian-managed meals support emotional stabilization and reintegration planning.
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 Crestview, FL
We are hiring a Youth Care Specialist to join our team at Crestview 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.