Lead Youth Care Specialist

Description

Position Function:

The Primary function of a Lead Youth Care Specialist is to provide direct care, youth behavior support and ensure smooth daily routines. The Lead Youth Care Specialist will serve as the on-shift leader who provides structure, models best practices, supports frontline staff, and ensures youth receive high-quality care and supervision. The position should be on the floor working with youth and modeling for YCS at least 90% of their shift.

Requirements:

Education: High School Diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree in a human service field preferred. One year of direct care experience required. One year experience in TBRI or other similar models of care preferred. Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license and be willing to transport clients.

Program & Shift Operations:

• Serve as the on-shift point person, coordinating staff assignments, responsibilities, transportation needs and youth supervision needs.
• Ensure staff follow all daily routines, schedules, treatment guidelines, and care plans.
• Monitor household operations to maintain a welcoming, clean, safe, and trauma-informed environment at all times.
• Lead shift change meetings in the absence of the Shift Supervisor.
• Communicate shift concerns, incidents, patterns, or safety updates to the Shift Supervisor promptly.
• Ensure staff are informed and ready to execute safety plans, Attachment A information, and youth-specific needs before beginning the shift.
• Support the completion of all required program paperwork and documentation.
• Administer medications according to agency protocols and maintain accurate medication logs.
• Ensure compliance with DFPS minimum standards, licensing expectations, and agency protocols during each shift.

Client Care & Youth Support:

• Provide direct supervision, care, and TBRI-aligned engagement with youth during daily routines and activities
• Model TBRI-aligned appropriate supervision, engagement, emotional support, and behavioral expectations for all youth.
• Directly support clients who are exhibiting behavioral challenges, as needed, modeling interventions for staff.
• Participate in and ensure appropriate implementation of structured programming, life-skills development, recreational activities, and therapeutic routines in collaboration with the clinical team.
• Ensure all youth basic needs are met, including meals, hygiene, clothing, sleep, transportation, and medication routines.
• Respond to youth behaviors using trauma-informed strategies, providing de-escalation and crisis support as needed.
• Build consistent, trust-based relationships with youth that promote safety, respect, and accountability.
• Promote normalcy by helping youth access everyday opportunities, such as hobbies, peer interactions, and community activities, to build confidence and support healthy development aligned with their individual therapeutic treatment needs.

Staff Guidance & Teamwork:

• Ensure staff on shift correctly implement behavior expectations, routines, safety plans, and trauma-informed care practices.
• Support, coach, and help evaluate direct care staff in TBRI implementation, trauma informed care practices, and behavioral support for clients.
• Support problem-solving during the shift.
• Promote a collaborative, supportive, and accountable team culture that allows for professional growth and development.
• Offer the Supervisor feedback on staff performance, training needs, and areas needing support for YCS.

Documentation & Communication:

• Complete daily logs, incident reports, behavior documentation, and other required notes accurately and on time with input from YCS.
• Support staff in maintaining complete and accurate documentation; review and clarify as needed.
• Communicate clearly with off-shift staff to ensure continuity of care, sharing relevant youth updates and safety information.
• Report concerns or observed trends to the Shift Supervisor to support the overall functioning of the home.

Collaboration & Community Relations:

• Collaborate with volunteers, caseworkers, clinicians, medical staff, and family members to support youth goals and care plans.
• Represent the agency professionally in all interactions, modeling respectful, trauma-informed communication.
• Assist in creating a welcoming environment for external partners and visitors.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the employee a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position

Requirements

Education: High School Diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree in a human service field preferred. One year of direct care experience required. One year experience in TBRI or other similar models of care preferred. Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license and be willing to transport clients.