Transitional Lead Youth Care Specialist Overnight

Lead Youth Care Specialist

The primary function of a Lead Youth Care Specialist is to provide direct care, youth behavior support, and ensure smooth daily routines. The Lead Youth Care Specialist will serve as the on-shift leader who provides structure, models best practices, supports frontline staff, and ensures youth receive high-quality care and supervision. The position should be on the floor working with youth and modeling for YCS at least 90% of their shift.

Education:

High School Diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree in a human service field preferred. One year of direct care experience required. One year experience in TBRI or other similar models of care preferred. Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and be willing to transport clients.

• Serve as the on-shift point person, coordinating staff assignments, responsibilities, transportation needs, and youth supervision needs.
• Ensure staff follow all daily routines, schedules, treatment guidelines, and care plans.
• Monitor household operations to maintain a welcoming, clean, safe, and trauma-informed environment at all times.
• Lead shift change meetings in the absence of the Shift Supervisor.
• Communicate shift concerns, incidents, patterns, or safety updates to the Shift Supervisor promptly.
• Ensure staff are informed and ready to execute safety plans, Attachment A information, and youth-specific needs before beginning the shift.
• Support the completion of all required program paperwork and documentation.
• Administer medications according to agency protocols and maintain accurate medication logs.
• Ensure compliance with DFPS minimum standards, licensing expectations, and agency protocols during each shift.

• Provide direct supervision, care, and TBRI-aligned engagement with youth during daily routines and activities.
• Model TBRI-aligned appropriate supervision, engagement, emotional support, and behavioral expectations for all youth.
• Directly support clients who are exhibiting behavioral challenges, as needed, modeling interventions for staff.
• Participate in and ensure appropriate implementation of structured programming, life-skills development, recreational activities, and therapeutic routines in collaboration with the clinical team.
• Ensure all youth basic needs are met, including meals, hygiene, clothing, sleep, transportation, and medication routines.
• Respond to youth behaviors using trauma-informed strategies, providing de-escalation and crisis support as needed.
• Build consistent, trust-based relationships with youth that promote safety, respect, and accountability.
• Promote normalcy by helping youth access everyday opportunities, such as hobbies, peer interactions, and community activities, to build confidence and support healthy development aligned with their individual therapeutic treatment needs.

• Ensure staff on shift correctly implement behavior expectations, routines, safety plans, and trauma-informed care practices.
• Support, coach, and help evaluate direct care staff in TBRI implementation, trauma informed care practices, and behavioral support for clients.
• Support problem-solving during the shift.
• Promote a collaborative, supportive, and accountable team culture that allows for professional growth and development.
• Offer the Supervisor feedback on staff performance, training needs, and areas needing support for YCS.

• Complete daily logs, incident reports, behavior documentation, and other required notes accurately and on time with input from YCS.
• Support staff in maintaining complete and accurate documentation; review and clarify as needed.
• Communicate clearly with off-shift staff to ensure continuity of care, sharing relevant youth…