Youth Care Specialist

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

The Youth Care Specialist is a part‑time role that provides direct service and supervision to youth aged 10 – 17. This position is essential for ensuring safety, promoting educational growth, and supporting life‑skill development.

Direct service delivery: supervise youth, provide quality care, ensure a safe environment, transport and accompany residents to outside activities, serve as a role model and encourage educational and life‑skill growth.

2nd shift (3 pm–11 pm) – mandatory weekends.

• Detect potential safety and security hazards to youth in residence, recommend and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in the implementation and monitoring of client case plans.
• Assist with day‑to‑day maintenance of the facility in conjunction with the Program Manager.
• Assist with ensuring 24‑hour direct care staff coverage in conjunction with the Program Manager.
• Screen clients, conduct initial intakes, and administer client satisfaction surveys as directed.
• Coordinate and assist with youth intakes and orientation during intake process.
• Assist in maintaining reports in coordination with the Program Manager.
• Supervise youth as needed, including preparation of meals and completion of chores.
• Supervise and schedule maintenance and upkeep of the program vehicles.
• Perform related work as required and as directed by the Program Manager.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Program/Operations Director and/or the Program Manager.

• Remain physically active throughout the workday, including frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, and lifting.
• Safely and effectively intervene in crisis situations, including physically guiding or restraining youth when necessary and appropriate, following agency policies and training.
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Move quickly and respond promptly to emergency situations.
• Talk and hear; communicate effectively with youth and team members.
• Operate standard office equipment, including computers and phones, as needed for documentation and communication.
• Work both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to ensure the safety of youth in care.
• Maintain high energy and full physical capabilities such as lifting, bending, cooking, cleaning, and using the telephone. Ability to transport youth in the program vehicle and accompany youth on field trips/recreational outings.

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Entry level position. Experience working with youth in an organized/structured setting is preferred, at the discretion of Supervisor/Manager.

Good organization, written, and verbal skills. Dependability, discretion, and good judgement are essential. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, co‑workers, and the general public.

Demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

• Report to Program Manager.
• Staff attend mandatory monthly staff meetings.
• Detect and envision safety and security hazards.
• Team player with co‑workers and administrators.
• Ensure maintenance of the shelter.
• Effective staff management and leadership.
• Adhere to Agency policies and procedures.
• Attend all required training.

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission‑driven staff become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff find growth opportunities and explore areas of interest within the organization.

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1 × salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
  • Note:
    
    Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer – This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.