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Youth Care Specialist Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Gracehaven, Inc

Youth Direct Care Supervisor

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18.50/hr

The Youth Direct Care Specialist Supervisor will provide support in a trauma informed, caring and compassionate manner, and will also assist in supervision, monitoring, and facilitation of daily ...

ViaQuest

Youth Support Specialist (DSP)

Bexley, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $19.25/hr

ICF Youth Support Specialist (DSP - Direct Support Professional) A Great Opportunity / Columbus, OH ... Those who are interested in starting a career in healthcare. * Those interested in gaining more ...

ViaQuest

Youth Support Specialist (DSP)

Bexley, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $19.25/hr

ICF Youth Support Specialist (DSP - Direct Support Professional) A Great Opportunity / Columbus, OH ... Those who are interested in starting a career in healthcare. * Those interested in gaining more ...

CompDrug

Manager of Youth Prevention

Columbus, OH · On-site

$47.20K - $64.40K/yr

Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist credential required; Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant ... Our continuum of care includes outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient programming (IOP ...

ViaQuest

Youth Support Specialist (DSP)- FT 3p-12a

Etna, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $19.25/hr

Youth Support Specialist- (DSP) A Great Opportunity / $18.25~$19.25 per hour / Etna, OH / Near ... Those who are interested in starting a career in healthcare. * Those interested in gaining more ...

ViaQuest

Youth Support Specialist (DSP)- FT 3p-12a

Etna, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $19.25/hr

Youth Support Specialist- (DSP) A Great Opportunity / $18.25~$19.25 per hour / Etna, OH / Near ... Those who are interested in starting a career in healthcare. * Those interested in gaining more ...

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How much do youth care specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth care specialist in Columbus, OH is $18.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Youth Care Specialist, you need a background in social work, psychology, or a related field, along with experience working with at-risk youth. Familiarity with case management software, crisis intervention techniques, and certifications such as CPR or first aid are commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and conflict-resolution abilities are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting youth development. These skills enable specialists to create safe environments, effectively address behavioral issues, and foster positive outcomes for young people.

What are some common challenges faced by Youth Care Specialists, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Youth Care Specialists often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral crises, building trust with youth from diverse backgrounds, and maintaining clear professional boundaries. To address these, it's important to receive thorough training in de-escalation techniques, participate in regular team meetings for support, and engage in ongoing professional development. Collaborating closely with counselors, case managers, and other staff also helps ensure consistent care and a supportive environment for both the youth and the specialist.

What are Youth Care Specialists?

Youth Care Specialists are professionals who work with children and adolescents in residential facilities, group homes, shelters, or similar settings. Their main role is to provide support, supervision, and guidance to young people, often helping those who are at risk or have experienced trauma. They assist with daily routines, manage behavioral issues, and help create a safe and nurturing environment. Youth Care Specialists also collaborate with other professionals, such as counselors and social workers, to implement individualized care plans. Their work is essential for promoting positive development and helping youth build life skills.

What is the difference between Youth Care Specialist vs Youth Counselor?

AspectYouth Care SpecialistYouth Counselor
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in CPR or first aidHigh school diploma; often requires a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or related field
Work EnvironmentGroup homes, residential facilities, community programsSchools, counseling centers, mental health clinics
Employer & IndustryChild and youth service agencies, residential care providersEducational institutions, mental health organizations
Job FocusSupervising daily activities, ensuring safety, implementing care plansProviding counseling, emotional support, and behavioral therapy

While both roles support youth, Youth Care Specialists focus on supervision and daily care in residential settings, whereas Youth Counselors provide therapeutic support and counseling services. The choice depends on the desired work environment and level of clinical involvement.

What job categories do people searching Youth Care Specialist jobs in Columbus, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Youth Care Specialist jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Youth Care Specialist jobs? Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Youth Care Specialist job openings:
Youth Care Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Care Specialist job openings in Columbus, OH as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,098 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Youth Direct Care Specialist Multiple Shifts

Gracehaven, Inc

Columbus, OH

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Gracehaven is currently hiring for Youth Direct Care Specialist for multiple shifts 1st, 2nd, 3rd, workdays and weekends.
We are seeking dedicated individuals who are passionate about serving and making a meaningful impact in the lives of traumatized youth.
If you're interested in joining our team, If you feel called to make a real difference — to disciple and mentor those facing challenges — we need you. Join us in shaping futures, restoring hope, and building strong, lasting relationships. Your presence could be the turning point in someone’s life.
We are seeking individuals with past experience as a caregiver, Direct Care Professional, Resident Care Associates, Direct Care Staff, Health Care Aid, Behavioral Health Care Aid, Patient Care Assistants, Youth Caregiver, Supervisors, Managers and Leaders.
About Us:
Gracehaven is an Ohio based Christian nonprofit that operates a Therapeutic Group Home located in Central Ohio for youth who have experienced sexual exploitation and human trafficking. We are a dedicated team of Christian workers serving within a highly relational ministry model. Our team is supportive, collaborative, and engaged in the fight to bring hope to the hurting and healing to those who have been victimized through exploitation.
For us, it is not just the job you do. It's a calling. It’s the people and the work environment that contribute to a job well done. It’s the personal satisfaction of serving in a rewarding ministry that keeps you going. It’s the opportunity to grow both personally, spiritually, and professionally. It’s the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. It is the privilege of getting to participate in the transformational work God does in the lives of those impacted by the challenging realities of human trafficking and to get to walk alongside the healing process of young people wrestling with complex trauma.
Our Goal:
To provide direct care to female residents with daily living skills, and supervising a team of staff members. The Youth Direct Care Specialist Supervisor will provide support in a trauma informed, caring and compassionate manner, and will also assist in supervision, monitoring, and facilitation of daily routines and activities. The YDCS Supervisor works well with a collaborative team setting and is interested in working for an organization that shares the same Christian values and integrity.
What is a Youth Direct Care Specialist?
A Youth Direct Care Specialist is responsible for the well-being of youth placed at Gracehaven's therapeutic group home. Youth Direct Care Specialists provide high quality, trauma informed, direct care to youth in the home and facilitate positive interactions with all individuals related to a youth's placement.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Build trust with Gracehaven residents
  • Establish safety for residents according to Gracehaven standards
  • Love residents unconditionally
  • Offer life-giving hope in a safe environment
  • Empower survivors
Gracehaven is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Columbus, Ohio, dedicated to supporting youth and families affected by sex trafficking. Established in 2008,
Please visit our website: www.gracehaven.org

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