Care Specialist

About the Role

Youth Opportunity is seeking a Full-Time Youth Care Specialist to join their team at Broward Youth Academy in Pembroke Pines, FL. This is a direct care position focused on supervising and guiding adolescent males (ages 12-17) in a residential behavioral health treatment setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor the activities of a group of 7-10 youth, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Maintain constant awareness of youth whereabouts and adherence to safety and security procedures.
• Utilize group counseling techniques, individual relationships, positive discipline, and crisis intervention.
• 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.
• Encourage and support youth engagement in learning and personal growth activities.
• Document daily shift activities, population counts, and communicate key events.
• Participate in required training and professional development.
• Report incidents or concerns regarding youth or staff conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned or needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of college coursework in a social or human services field is preferred.
• 2 years of experience working with youth preferred (if no college coursework).
• Strong verbal communication skills; able to relate to youth professionally.
• Group counseling and leadership skills.
• Analytical thinking and sound judgment.
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, and crisis intervention required during the probationary period.
• Ability to document clearly and objectively.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Must meet state criminal background check requirements.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Extensive walking and standing required.
• Ability to respond quickly to youth altercations, self-harm risks, or escape attempts.
• Ability to participate in physical activities with youth, indoors or outdoors.
• Must be free from communicable diseases.