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

LSF is looking for talented Youth Care Specialists who want to make an impact in the lives of youth.

Purpose & Impact:

This is a direct service delivery position. The Youth Care Specialist supervises youth in residence, provides quality care, ensures safe and secure environment, transports and supervises youth. Additional duties of the Youth Care Specialist include providing a supportive environment for the teens, responsibility for daily security and maintenance of facility, assignment and supervision of client chores program, and preparation of meals as evaluated by the food program.

Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Creole Preferred. Available shifts include 3pm-11pm and 11pm-7am. 

A Day in the Life of a Youth Care Specialist:

• Provide supportive environment for youth
• Assists adolescents with preparing and eating meals, taking baths, maintaining hygiene, administering medication and performing other daily routine tasks
• Transports individual and groups of adolescents for appointments or field trips outside the facility 
  Provide daily security and up-keep of facility
• Develops, plans, coordinates, and participates in daily recreational and social activities, including outdoor programs and physical exercise
• Consults and communicates with shift leaders, supervisors and professional staff concerning behavior issues and the needs of the teens
• As directed, participate in the implementation and monitoring of client case plans
• Participate in various in-service training sessions and attend staff meetings
• Assign and supervise chores in addition to performing light housekeeping duties such as making beds and cleaning laundry, to ensure that the teen’s residential setting is neat, clean, and orderly
• Interviews and responds to critical incidents and emergency situations. Document incidents in the logbook as well as on the appropriate forms
• Assists with the initial intakes and discharge of youth
• Document as in the logbook as outlined in polices and procedures
• Conducts group meetings with youth to discuss issues and address concerns
• Provides instruction on appropriate behaviors and Independent living skills
• Observes and documents the behavior, development and needs of adolescents
• Maintains daily written records and logs of observations and concerns about individual adolescents
• Provides responsive, high quality service to Childnet, The Department of Children and Families, The Department of Juvenile Justice, The Courts, the School Board of Palm Beach County in addition to other representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner

Physical Requirements:

• Bilingual in English/Spanish or English/Creole highly desired
• Ability and flexibility to work extended hours and be flexible with scheduling
• Valid state driver’s license and proof of auto insurance

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalency completion certification required
• Minimum of one (1) year experience working in a caretaker type role or any experience with kids welcome!

Skills/Abilities:

• Dependability, discretion, and good judgement are essential.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with clients, co-workers and the general public.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.
• Team player with co-workers and administrators

Why work for LSF?

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

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Teledoc (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.