Youth Development Specialist 1

POSITION SUMMARY

Youth Development Specialists (YDS) provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and

developmentally appropriate support to youth and Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs) in the

Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP). The YDS I offers daily supervision and

behavioral support in alignment with Stella Maris Growth Center policies, helping maintain

safety, structure, and routine within the home. This role assists residents with hygiene, chores,

and mealtime tasks; monitors clothing and personal care needs; and administers first aid or

medications as permitted. The YDS I maintains documentation of activities and safety checks,

supports participation in treatment-oriented groups, collaborates with clinicians, and transports

residents to approved appointments and outings. Routine participation in staff training is

required to ensure quality and compliance.

Across all levels, YDS staff:

• Support daily structure, safety, and emotional regulation.*

• Assist with independent living skills, appointments, and school activities.*

• Build rapport through consistency, empathy, and supportive engagement.*

• Participate in treatment planning, documentation, and crisis response as appropriate.*

The tiered YDS structure supports staff development, compliance with billing requirements, and

a clear workforce pathway.

Core Duties

• Provide general supervision, safety checks, and behavioral support.*

• Assist youth with daily routines: hygiene, cleaning, chores, mealtime, room care, and*

facility upkeep.

• Co-facilitate (not lead) groups, activities, and independent living exercises.*

• Provide transportation to appointments, school, and community outings.*

• Document daily logs, safety checks, incidents, and general observations.*

• Support youth during adjustment to placement through rapport-building and basic*

counseling presence.

• Ensure youth arrive at school prepared and on time; supervise school return.*

• Monitor and report changes in behavior, mood, or safety.*

• Assist with health navigation, scheduling medical/dental/vision appointments, and basic*

care coordination.

Focus

• Engagement*

• Basic health navigation*

• Supervision and care*

• Skill-building support*

• Non-clinical documentation*

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma required.*

• No formal behavioral science education required.*

• Experience working with youth, lived experience, or community-based involvement*

preferred.

Skills

• Basic computer and office skills (email, word processing, documentation).*

• Ability to follow structure, maintain safety, and provide trauma-informed care.*

• Strong communication, empathy, and relationship-building skills.*

Training Requirements

• Must complete 40 hours of in-service training within one (1) year of hire.*

• Must complete CPR/First Aid training within required timelines.*

• Must complete agency-required training modules (CPI, trauma-informed care, Title 22*

basics, etc.).

Certificates, Licenses, and Clearances

• Valid California Driver’s License with acceptable DMV record.*

• CPR/First Aid Certification (or obtained within required timeline).*

• DOJ/FBI fingerprint clearance.*

• Child Abuse Index (CACI) check.*

• TB clearance and health screening.*

• Meets all CCL requirements for STRTP direct care staff.*

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $21