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Child Development/Support Family Advocacy & Support Services

Youth Care Specialist CSEC

Job in Arlington Heights, Cook County, Illinois, 60005, USA
Listing for: Shelter, Inc.
Full Time position
Listed on 2026-01-01
Job specializations:
  • Social Work
    Child Development/Support, Family Advocacy & Support Services
  • Child Care/Nanny
    Child Development/Support
Job Description & How to Apply Below

JOB TITLE: Youth Care Specialist (CSEC)
REPORTS TO: Residential Treatment Coordinator LOCATION: Northwest Suburbs

ABOUT SHELTER YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

Shelter Youth & Family Services provides emergency housing, community‑based services, and support for youth and families in crisis. Founded in 1975, we’ve grown into a leading voice for child welfare, human trafficking response, foster care innovation, and trauma‑informed care in Illinois. With a current budget of $10M and ambitious plans to grow to $15M, our mission is to end the cycle of abuse and neglect by providing safe, healthy, and stable lives for children and families.

Shelter Youth & Family Services is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities. We actively strive to create an environment that supports all employees, placing value in contributions from people from diverse backgrounds, and honoring all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities. Our mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and transform communities.

Joining us in this role will give you a chance to help fulfill that mission and help the community. Shelter and its facilities are drug and smoke‑free environments.

Learn more at shelter-inc.org.

Shelter Youth and Family Services encourages the application of all bilingual applicants to work with our client community. Applicants who can successfully certify their skill level in reading, speaking, and writing in two languages with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may receive an additional salary stipend. Certification testing is set by DCFS.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Youth Care Specialist for the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Program will provide direct support and supervision for up to 12 female‑identifying youth who are survivors of human trafficking in a therapeutic, trauma‑informed residential setting. This role requires compassion, consistency, and the ability to respond to the unique emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of youth who have experienced complex trauma.

RESIDENT

SUPERVISION AND TEACHING
  • Provide supervision, support, and mentoring to youth in accordance with program policies.
  • Implement trauma‑informed care practices that emphasize safety, empowerment, and healing.
  • Supervise and assist residents with a structured daily schedule.
  • Assist youth with daily living skills, educational support, recreational activities and goal setting.
  • Model healthy coping skills, communication, and boundaries for youth.
  • Intervene in crisis situations using de‑escalation strategies that prioritize safety.
  • Comply with agency policies and procedures and the Department of Children and Family Services "Code of Ethics for Child Welfare Professionals."
    • HOUSE MANAGEMENT
  • Support youth in completing daily chores and responsibilities to promote life skills and shared accountability.
  • Model and encourage respect for shared spaces, personal belongings, and community areas.
  • Monitor for safety hazards and promptly report or address maintenance concerns.
  • Teach and reinforce healthy routines related to hygiene, nutrition, and personal responsibility.
  • Assist with meal preparation, household organization, and upkeep as needed.
  • Oversee and maintain a clean, safe, and organized living environment in accordance with program and licensing standards.
    • PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
  • Follow program daily structure and routines.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation of youth progress, incidents and services.
  • Attend scheduled staff meetings and in‑service training.
  • Carry out all duties as designated by the Program Coordinator.
    • ACCOUNTABILITY

    Youth Care Specialists shall be supervised and directly accountable on all matters to the Program Coordinator.

    HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT

    Multiple full‑time and part‑time positions are available on all shifts and will be discussed during the interview.

    QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must be at least 25 years of age in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Licensing Standards for QRTP.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred in social services or related subjects or 2–3 years of experience working within a…
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