Direct Service Worker

Direct Service Worker (Youth Residential Group Home)

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Position Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Shift Availability: Days (7:00 AM–3:00 PM), Evenings (3:00 PM–11:00 PM), Overnight (11:00 PM–7:00 AM), Weekends & Holidays
Reports To: House Manager / Program Director

Position Summary

We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and professional Direct Service Workers (DSWs) to provide supervision, guidance, and support to adolescents residing in a licensed residential group home. Staff members play an essential role in creating a safe, structured, trauma-informed environment that promotes personal growth, accountability, and independent living skills.

The ideal candidate is committed to protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of youth while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and positive role modeling.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and ensure the safety and well-being of residents at all times.
• Build positive, professional relationships with youth through mentoring and encouragement.
• Implement behavior management strategies using trauma-informed and de-escalation techniques.
• Supervise daily routines including meals, hygiene, chores, homework, recreation, appointments, and transportation.
• Maintain required staffing ratios and perform regular room and facility safety checks.
• Complete accurate documentation including shift notes, incident reports, medication logs (if authorized), and daily observations.
• Participate in service plan implementation and communicate resident progress with supervisors.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, crises, and critical incidents following agency policies.
• Transport residents to school, medical appointments, court appearances, recreational activities, and other approved destinations.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect resident rights.
• Participate in required meetings, staff development, and ongoing training.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe living environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid Louisiana driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass criminal background check, fingerprinting, child abuse registry clearance, and pre-employment drug screening.
• CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain after hire).
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Previous experience working with youth, behavioral health, social services, education, juvenile justice, or residential care preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with at-risk youth.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and positive behavior support.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong documentation and organizational abilities.
• Ability to remain calm during crisis situations.
• Professional judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to establish healthy boundaries with youth.
• Team-oriented with a positive attitude.
• Basic computer skills for electronic documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift up to 50 pounds, and actively supervise residents throughout the shift.
• Ability to respond quickly during emergencies and behavioral crises.

Why Join Our Team?

Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and structured environment where youth can heal, grow, and prepare for successful independent living. We value integrity, compassion, teamwork, accountability, and respect in everything we do.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Apply Today! Join our team and make a lasting difference in the lives of Louisiana's youth.

Pay: $10.00 - $12.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $10 - $12