Youth Development Specialist III

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 III serves as an

advanced-level support provider qualified to deliver Mental Health Rehabilitation (MHRS)

services, behavioral coaching, and early substance use intervention. This position facilitates

individual and group skill-building sessions that promote emotional regulation, coping,

communication, independent living, and community functioning. The YDS III collaborates closely

with clinical teams to support treatment planning, crisis intervention, and safety strategies, and

assists youth in accessing mental health, educational, and community resources. This role

requires strict adherence to Medi-Cal, STRTP, and county documentation standards, ensuring

accurate, timely, and billable service records. The YDS III supports a holistic rehabilitative

environment while modeling pro-social behavior and fostering youth resilience and stability.

Includes ALL Level I & II duties plus:

Core Duties

• Facilitate individual and group Mental Health Rehabilitation (MHRS) services.

• Provide skill-building in coping, emotional regulation, communication, social skills, and

executive functioning.

• Deliver Independent Living Program (ILP) instruction (budgeting, hygiene, meal prep,

transportation skills, etc.).

• Implement TBS/IHBS-style behavioral interventions and coaching strategies.

• Conduct written needs assessments and assist in developing treatment goals, NSP

updates, and progress reports.

• Provide early substance use intervention, harm-reduction strategies, and

relapse-prevention support.

• Participate in MDT, case conference meetings, and clinical consultation.

• Coordinate residential, school, medical, court, and probation-related supports.

• Document billable services in compliance with Medi-Cal and county requirements.

• Assist with crisis intervention, safety planning, and behavioral de-escalation.

• Support compliance tasks, licensing standards, and documentation accuracy.

Focus

• Clinical rehabilitation skills

• Behavioral coaching

• Substance-use education

• Advanced case management

• Group and individual service facilitation

Special Requirements

• Must meet MHRS educational/experience criteria(Associates, Bachelor’s, Master’s)

• Must complete TBS/IHBS training if assigned to coaching functions.

• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience

• Associate’s Degree required OR Bachelor’s Degree preferred

• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, Child

Development, or related field

• Minimum 3 years of experience working with youth in residential treatment, STRTP,

group home, or similar settings

• Experience supporting crisis situations, mentoring staff, or providing informal leadership

strongly preferred

Skills

• Advanced communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills

• Strong ability to model appropriate behavior and support junior staff

• Demonstrated leadership in maintaining structure, safety, and program culture

• Ability to support crisis intervention, coaching, and on-the-job guidance

Training Requirements

• Must complete 40 hours of annual in-service training

• Must maintain CPR/First Aid certification

• Completion of advanced agency-required trainings (CPI refreshers, leadership

development, compliance standards, etc.)

Certificates, Licenses, and Clearances

• Valid California Driver’s License with acceptable DMV record

• CPR/First Aid Certification

• 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: $28.00 - $31.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $31