Direct Care Specialist (Youth Residential Treatment Center)
Position Summary
Direct Care Specialists are responsible for ensuring the safety, supervision, and well-being of residents while promoting a structured, supportive, and therapeutic environment. Staff serve as positive role models and are expected to maintain professionalism, consistency, and appropriate boundaries at all times.
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with youth and are committed to helping young people overcome challenges and achieve personal growth.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide direct supervision and care for youth residents at all times.
- Ensure resident safety, security, and compliance with facility rules and expectations.
- Build positive and professional relationships with residents.
- Facilitate daily routines, activities, recreation, and community outings.
- Assist residents with life skills development, personal responsibility, and independent living skills.
- Monitor and document resident behaviors, incidents, observations, and progress.
- Complete required documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
- Assist with meal preparation, household responsibilities, and maintaining a clean living environment.
- Transport residents to appointments, school functions, recreational activities, and community events as assigned.
- Participate in behavior management and de-escalation interventions using approved techniques.
- Conduct room checks, safety checks, and facility inspections as required.
- Administer or assist with medications as authorized and trained.
- Participate in staff meetings, training programs, and professional development activities.
- Follow all HHSC, DFPS, licensing, and Aspire Haven policies and procedures.
- Report incidents, emergencies, allegations, injuries, and concerns immediately according to policy.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in accordance with HIPAA and applicable regulations.
Qualifications Required
- Minimum age of 21 years
- Valid Texas Driver's License
- Ability to pass criminal background checks and all licensing requirements
- Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating schedules
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and respond appropriately during emergency situations
Preferred
- Experience working with youth, adolescents, foster care, group homes, residential treatment, juvenile justice, behavioral health, special education, or mental health populations
- CPI, TCI, PMAB, or other de-escalation training
- Medication administration experience
- Bachelor's degree or coursework in Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Education, Counseling, or related field
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for team members who are:
- Dependable and punctual
- Calm under pressure
- Patient and compassionate
- Professional and ethical
- Strong communicators
- Team-oriented
- Positive role models for youth
- Able to establish healthy boundaries while remaining supportive and encouraging
Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid orientation
- Paid time off
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
