Lead Youth Care Specialist

Lead Youth Care Specialist

Thompson was founded in 1886 as an orphanage and has grown into an organization operating across the Carolinas, Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Thompson's continuum of care encompasses three domains: prevention, mental health services, and foster care. All Thompson programs are trauma-informed and evidence-based with the intention of building resilience in our clients (ages 0-18) and their families, both virtually and in person.

Our values are Excellence, Innovation, Commitment, Caring, and Integrity.

What will you do as a Lead Youth Care Specialist for our youth residential programs?

As a Lead Youth Care specialist, your role is to serve as critical support to Program Supervisors by providing operational oversight, coaching, and coordination across transitional housing sites in Tennessee. You will be required to work both day and night shifts.

Support regular check-ins with Youth Care Specialists (YCS) to provide coaching, feedback, and support.

Assist with onboarding new staff, including training coordination, badge setup, and documentation.

Serve as a point of contact for YCS staff when Program Supervisors are off-site.

Monitor daily operations across assigned sites, ensuring adequate staffing and shift coverage.

Ensure accurate documentation of youth interactions, shift notes, and incident reports.

Assist in preparing audits and ensuring documentation meets DCS and internal standards.

Monitor adherence to trauma-informed care principles and contract goals.

Collaborate with Program Supervisors and DCS Program Coordinators to align staffing and service delivery.

Participate in team meetings, hiring panels, and tactical planning sessions.

Relay feedback and concerns from YCS staff to leadership for resolution and improvement.

All other duties as assigned by supervisor.

What does this position offer?

Starting Pay Rate: $22-22.50/hourly based on experience

Fantastic full-time benefits…..

3 weeks paid time off (PTO) the first year plus 10 paid Holidays!

Health, Dental, Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Life insurance options

401K Match

Education Reimbursement

Clinical Supervision Reimbursement of $60 for eligible candidates obtaining licensure

Eligibility to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through FAFSA after 10 years of service

Paid time off for volunteering in the community

Free EAP services

Mileage Reimbursement if applicable

iPhone and Laptop provided

Multiple opportunities for growth

Requirements

Minimum

Qualifications/Requirements:

Must have a valid Driver's License

Meet any credentialing, licensing, and privileging standards as it pertains to the program(s) they lead.

High School Diploma required, Bachelor's Degree preferred

A minimum of two (2) years' experience working in a residential youth operation or related experience working in the field of child and family services.

Familiarity with trauma-informed care, child development, and crisis intervention.

Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience, preferred

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite application software.

Ability to work 12-hour shifts, which include nights and some weekends

You're the right fit for the Lead Youth Care Specialist position if…

You have a passion for working with and developing youth!

You enjoy knowing you're making an IMPACT on the lives of others!

EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, COMMITMENT, CARING, AND INTEGRITY are important to you!