Children Having Opportunities in a Caring Environment Inc
Direct Care / Youth Care Worker Professional
Full Time • valrico
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)
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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
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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.
Compensation: $17.50 - $21.50 per hour
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