Youth Support Specialist - Weekends

Organizational Mission

EverForward is on a mission to transform lives. We champion trauma-informed, evidence-based care for children and families, and it all begins with empowering our team. Through expert training and unwavering compliance, we ensure our staff are equipped to deliver the kind of support that makes a lifelong difference.

This role is a part-time position, covering weekends.

Position Requirements

The Youth Support Specialist plays an essential frontline role in the therapeutic care and daily support of youth in our Residential Group Care program. This position is responsible for ensuring the consistent implementation of trauma-informed, youth-centered practices through active engagement, supervision, and mentoring of residents. The Youth Support Specialist contributes to a structured, nurturing environment by modeling healthy behaviors, supporting individualized treatment plans, and maintaining the routines and safety protocols of the program. Working closely with clinical staff and program leadership, this role is foundational to delivering high-quality, person-centered care and supporting the emotional, social, and developmental growth of the youth we serve.

Position Responsibilities

As a Youth Support Specialist, you're a vital member of the treatment team, working alongside therapists, case managers, and fellow counselors to build a safe, supportive, and structured environment for our youth.

Key Responsibilities

• Creating a safe and supportive environment through active supervision and positive role modeling.
• Guiding youth in building essential life skills from healthy social interaction to emotional regulation and coping strategies.
• Leading group and individual activities that promote education, recreation, social development, and community engagement.
• Supporting therapeutic programs, assisting in delivering individual and group services, and documenting progress accurately and on time.
• Collaborating on treatment plans and participating in goal-setting and progress reviews, including debriefs after weekend visits home.
• Encouraging personal responsibility, helping youth with hygiene, chores, and daily routines.
• Assisting in the daily operations of the group home, from preparing meals and basic upkeep to medication distribution and recordkeeping.
• Actively engaging families and/or teams, sharing insights on youth progress, and fostering ongoing communication.
• Participating and attending team meetings, trainings, and workshops to support ongoing growth and stay up-to-date with best practices, including training in trauma-informed care.

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