Direct Care / Youth Care Worker Professional

Job Description Job Description Direct Care / Youth Care Worker Residential At-Risk Group Home - Adolescent Males Florida

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

Are you passionate about helping youth overcome adversity and build a better future?

We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated individuals to join our team as Direct Care / Youth Care Workers in a licensed residential group home serving at-risk adolescent males. In this role, you will directly impact the lives of youth who have experienced trauma, instability, and loss-helping them build the skills needed for long-term success.

This is more than a job-it's an opportunity to be a mentor, role model, and agent of change.

Position Overview:

The Direct Care / Youth Care Worker provides continuous supervision, direct care, and therapeutic support in a structured residential setting. Staff serve as caregivers and surrogate parental figures, supporting youth in developing emotional regulation, life skills, and positive behaviors.

Using a trauma-informed care approach, you will help create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where youth can heal, grow, and prepare for reunification or permanent placement.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Care & Supervision

• Provide continuous supervision to ensure the safety, welfare, and security of all residents
• Serve as a caregiver, mentor, and positive role model
• Act as a surrogate parent, modeling appropriate behavior and decision-making
• Build supportive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries

Daily Living Support & Life Skills

• Guide youth through daily routines, including hygiene, chores, and responsibilities
• Teach life skills such as cooking, cleaning, time management, and problem-solving
• Prepare meals and snacks while engaging youth in skill-building activities
• Assist with homework, academic enrichment, and e-learning
  
  

Therapeutic Environment & Engagement

• Maintain a safe, clean, structured, and nurturing home environment
• Plan and supervise therapeutic, recreational, and community-based activities
• Support trauma-informed interventions and behavior management strategies

Transportation & Community Activities

• Transport youth to school bus stops, appointments, and activities using agency vehicles
• Provide supervision during community outings and medical visits

Behavioral Support & Crisis Intervention

• Identify and report emotional, behavioral, or developmental concerns
• Implement behavior modification techniques and individualized interventions
• Utilize crisis de-escalation strategies to manage challenging situations safely

Medication Administration & Documentation

• Administer and document medications per agency policy
• Monitor for side effects and report concerns
• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including daily logs and incident reports
• Maintain compliance with all recordkeeping standards

Team Collaboration

• Participate in individualized care planning and implementation
• Provide feedback on youth progress, strengths, and needs
• Attend team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities
• Support a culture of structure, consistency, and communication

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a human services-related field preferred. In lieu of a degree, a High School Diploma or GED with relevant experience working with youth will be accepted.
• 2+ years of experience in a residential or group home setting

Licensing & Requirements

• Valid Florida Driver's License with clean driving record
• Must be insurable under agency commercial auto policy
• Ability to operate a 7- or 12-passenger vehicle
• Reliable transportation with proof of insurance
• Current First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain)
  
  
• Ability to pass comprehensive background screenings, including:
  • DCF Level II / 7-point background check
  • Child Abuse Registry
  • Sexual Offender Registry
  • FBI and local law enforcement checks

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to plan and coordinate recreational, social, and educational activities
• Dependability, punctuality, and consistency are essential
• Ability to understand and implement individualized care plans for each resident
  
  

Schedule Options

• Full-Time: Evening Shift (3:00 PM - 11:00 PM)
• Part-Time: Evenings & Weekends
• Overnight / 3rd Shift: 11:00 PM - 9:00 AM

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: $17.50 - $21.25 per hour (DOE)
  
  
• Full-time, non-exempt position
  
  

Benefits Include:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Vacation
• Holiday Pay
• Simple IRA (after 90 days)
• Supplemental Insurance (Aflac)
• Opportunities for advancement and professional growth
• 401 K participation
  
  

Why Join Our Team

• Meaningful, mission-driven work that changes lives
• Supportive and team-oriented work environment
• Hands-on experience in child welfare and behavioral health
• Opportunities to grow within the organization

The Impact You'll Make

Your consistency, structure, and care can help youth:

• Build trust and emotional stability
• Develop life skills and coping strategies
• Improve behavior and decision-making
• Successfully transition to family-based or permanent placements
  
  

Apply Today

If you are committed to making a difference and ready for a rewarding and challenging role, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team dedicated to changing lives.