Steady Adult Changes Teen's

Job Description

Youth Engagement Specialist (YES)

Some Jobs Change Lives. This One Can Change a Young Person’s Future.

Schedule: Saturday–Wednesday | 3:00 PM–11:00 PM
Days Off: Thursday & Friday
Position: In-Person

This Is Not Just a Job. It’s a Commitment to Changing Lives.

At Journey to Dream, we serve youth ages 14–19 who have experienced homelessness, abuse, neglect, trauma, abandonment, and instability. Many have spent their lives surrounded by adults who made promises they couldn't keep, relationships that didn't last, and circumstances beyond their control.

They don't need someone to rescue them. They need someone who refuses to give up on them.

They need steady, compassionate adults who understand that love doesn't mean saying yes to everything, that boundaries create safety, and that accountability is an essential part of growth.

We are looking for a Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) who understands that making a difference isn't always easy, but it is always meaningful.

What You'll Really Be Doing

This is not a babysitting position or a job where you simply supervise teenagers.

You will be an active part of helping young people rebuild trust, develop independence, and prepare for a future they may have never believed was possible.

Every day, you will:

• Lead with purpose: Provide structure, supervision, and consistency in a residential environment.
• Teach real-life skills: Help youth develop responsibility, accountability, healthy habits, and independent-living skills.
• Build trust: Model healthy relationships while maintaining clear, professional boundaries.
• Navigate challenging moments: Respond calmly and professionally to conflict, emotional dysregulation, and difficult behaviors.
• Hold youth accountable: Reinforce expectations, responsibilities, and consequences fairly and compassionately.
• Be actively engaged: Participate in activities, transport youth, support daily routines, and encourage positive decision-making.
• Document with accuracy: Maintain timely, professional documentation and communicate effectively with the treatment team.

Some days, success looks like a major breakthrough. Other days, it looks like a teenager following a direction, accepting accountability, or trusting an adult enough to ask for help. Both matter.

Who We're Looking For

We are not looking for someone who simply enjoys working with kids. We are looking for emotionally grounded, dependable professionals who understand the responsibility of working with vulnerable youth.

You may be the right person if you:

• Remain calm and professional when situations become difficult.
• Understand that compassion and accountability must go hand in hand.
• Can establish firm, healthy boundaries without becoming confrontational.
• Are resilient, patient, emotionally mature, and consistent.
• Can accept feedback, follow established procedures, and work as part of a team.
• Understand that structure and expectations are tools for building independence, not punishment.
• Are comfortable addressing challenging behaviors rather than avoiding difficult conversations.
• Recognize that your words, actions, and attitude directly influence the young people in your care.
• Show up ready to work, stay engaged, and follow through on your commitments.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 25 years of age.
• Must successfully pass a comprehensive background check.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and meet organizational driving requirements.
• Must be able to work the assigned Saturday–Wednesday, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM schedule.
• Must be willing to complete required training and follow all licensing, safety, and organizational policies.

This Work Is Not for Everyone. And That's Okay.

There will be difficult days. There will be moments when a young person tests your patience,…