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Direct Care / Youth Care Worker Professional

Children Having Opportunities in a Caring Environment Inc

valrico, FL

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$17.50–$21.25 Per Hour
SKILLS
Background Investigation, Behavioral Health, Behavioral Intervention, CPR Certification, Child Protection/Welfare, Communication Skills, Cook Dishes, Crisis Intervention, Documentation, Driver's License, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), First Aid, Health Plan, High School Diploma, Insurance, Law Enforcement, Licensing, Maintain Compliance, Management Strategy, Medication Administration, Mentoring, Patient Care, People Management, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Regulations, Risk, Safety/Work Safety, Side Effects, Team Player, Time Management, Training/Teaching, eLearning
LOCATION
valrico, FL
POSTED
30+ days ago

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.




About the Company

C

Children Having Opportunities in a Caring Environment Inc