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Youth First Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YOUTH EDUCATION ACADEMY

Youth Counselor

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$16/hr

CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire). Preferred: * Some college coursework in Child Development, Education, or a related field. * Experience leading youth ...

New

YOUTH EDUCATION ACADEMY

Youth Counselor

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$16/hr

CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire). Preferred: * Some college coursework in Child Development, Education, or a related field. * Experience leading youth ...

New

Hope for Youth

Youth Peer Advocate

Bay Shore, NY · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

The Suffolk County Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a program licensed by the NY State ... YPAs are individuals aged 18-30 years old, who self-identify as a person who has first-hand ...

Hope For Youth

Youth Peer Advocate

Bay Shore, NY · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

The Suffolk County Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a program licensed by the NY State ... YPAs are individuals aged 18-30 years old, who self-identify as a person who has first-hand ...

Hope for Youth

Youth Peer Advocate

Bay Shore, NY · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

YPAs are individuals aged 18-30 years old, who self-identify as a person who has first-hand ... Engage youth in services that provides the opportunity for the youth to expand their skills and ...

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Youth First information

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$12

$18

$24

How much do youth first jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth first 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 First worker?

Youth First workers are professionals who support the well-being and development of young people, often in educational or community settings. They provide counseling, mentoring, and resources to help youth overcome challenges and succeed in school and life. Youth First workers focus on topics such as mental health, substance abuse prevention, and building positive relationships. Their goal is to empower youth to make healthy choices and reach their full potential.

What are some common challenges faced by Youth First workers and how can they be effectively managed?

Youth workers in the Youth First role often encounter challenges such as building trust with young people, managing diverse needs, and addressing behavioral or emotional issues. Effective communication, active listening, and consistent support are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Collaboration with colleagues, regular training, and accessing support networks can also help youth workers remain resilient and adaptable in supporting youth development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Youth First worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Youth First worker, you need a background in social work, counseling, or youth development, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with case management software, data reporting tools, and intervention planning systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust with young people and families are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure effective support, advocacy, and positive outcomes for youth in challenging circumstances.

What is the difference between Youth First vs Youth Counselor?

AspectYouth FirstYouth Counselor
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require additional certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; relevant certifications or training preferred
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, youth programsSchools, community agencies, residential facilities
Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government programsEducational institutions, social service agencies
Job FocusOrganizing activities, mentoring, supporting youth developmentProviding counseling, guidance, and emotional support to youth

While both Youth First and Youth Counselors work with youth, Youth First typically involves program coordination and youth engagement activities, whereas Youth Counselors focus more on providing direct emotional and psychological support. The roles often overlap, but the main difference lies in the scope of responsibilities and the work environment.

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What states have the most Youth First jobs?

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Youth First jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth First job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,034 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Youth Care Specialist

Memphis, TN • On-site

Youth Opportunity
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Youth Opportunityexternal

$18 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

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 ages13 to18 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.

Apply