The Direct Care Specialist provides supervision, guidance, and support to youth in a residential setting to foster personal growth and safety. Responsibilities include managing daily routines, teaching life skills, and implementing trauma-informed behavioral interventions.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and be capable of performing physically active tasks. Prior childcare experience in a residential setting is preferred, along with computer literacy and the ability to pass a background check.
Make a real impact, Every single day. Join our team and help create a safe, supportive, and structured environment where youth can grow, heal, and succeed. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing prior experience, we provide the training and support you need to thrive.
As a Youth Residential Direct Care Specialist, you’ll work directly with youth in a group home setting, providing guidance, supervision, and positive role modeling during evening hours. You’ll play a key role in helping youth build life skills, manage behaviors, and reach personal goals.
Full-time evening shift schedule
Provide daily supervision and ensure a safe, structured environment
Build supportive, professional relationships with youth
Assist with routines, meals, activities, and transitions
Support behavioral and emotional needs using trauma-informed approaches
Teach and reinforce life skills (communication, hygiene, responsibility)
Entry-level candidates encouraged to apply
Why Join Unity House?
At Unity House, you’re not just taking a job, but building a career with purpose.
You’ll be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to helping youth overcome challenges and build brighter futures.
Apply Today!
If you’re ready to make a difference and grow in a rewarding field, we encourage you to apply.
No prior experience required, just a commitment to helping others.
How You'll Be Making a Difference
Knowledge and application of program routines/ structure. Maintain a general understanding of the population of clients with whom we work.
Foster healthy, appropriate relationships with our clients through daily interactions.
Develop an understanding of level system (cards, behavior contracts, etc.).
Supervise and coordinate activities of daily living for students, including hygiene, clothing, chores, and other activities. Assist children with the transition from each scheduled activity.
Provide First Aid appropriately as needed.
May plan and participate in activities with clients/students on an individual and small group (less than 6) level in accordance with treatment plans and goals. Teach age-appropriate life skills and social skills through modeling, counseling, and other techniques. Participate in groups and activities designed to enhance growth and development.
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
Short-term disability insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Bonus
Basic life insurance
403(b) retirement plan
AD&D insurance
Employer match
Participate in off-campus recreational/educational activities.
Manage living, dining, educational, recreational areas to provide a clean, organized environment for students. Insure adequate supervision of students through coordination of care with other staff.
Provide group and individual behavior support and intervention as trained, including the use of TCI appropriate physical restraint as necessary. Coordinate medical and emergency situations with the supervisor.
Communicate through written and verbal means with other program staff on positive skills and accomplishments as well as difficult or challenging client issues.
Complete all assigned paperwork including time sheet, level card, goal/ level tracking, incident reporting, and 51A’s in a thorough and timely manner.
Attend trainings.
Participate in supervision meetings with supervisor.
May be asked to prepare weekend meals.
If required to transport clients, must maintain the minimum amounts of liability insurance as required by The Home and/or other regulatory requirements and vehicle registration must be current.
What to Expect in the Role
Being physically active for an 8-10 hour shift
Participating in verbal de-escalation and physical intervention with youth
Multi-tasking in a changing and fast-paced treatment environment
Receiving and implement feedback in the moment and through a structured supervision process
Ability to work evenings, holidays, weekend shifts as required
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
Childcare experience in a residential setting with similar population of children preferred
Computer literate, including Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer, with the ability to learn new software applications
What The Home Can Offer You
In addition to the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth we serve, The Home for Little Wanderers offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including:
Health, Vision and Dental Insurance available
Generous time off including up to 15 days per year for new full-time employees, plus 11 holidays, and 5 sick days
Extensive training to new staff
Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,400 per fiscal year
403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
Employer paid Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance, plus Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
And more!
What Else We Offer
An up to $3,000 bonus
Opportunities for advancement within the organization
Supportive, team-oriented work environment
Valuing Diversity
We are committed to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while simultaneously creating a culture that supports those values. We believe the differences we bring enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and care to diverse children, families, and communities. Moreover, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging align with our values and our mission to help vulnerable children and their families build permanent, positive change.
