Youth Support Specialist at EverForward – St Petersburg, Florida

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.

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.

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in a human services-related field from an accredited college or university, or a high school diploma paired with substantial experience and training in education, human services, or a related field.

Experience

• At least one year of experience working with children with serious emotional disturbances (SED) is required
• Experience in residential treatment, group home care, special education, or related human services environments
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices and de-escalation techniques
• Exposure to treatment planning, therapeutic goal setting, or interdisciplinary collaboration
• Prior involvement in recreational programming, mentorship, or structured youth activities
• Experience managing challenging behaviors with empathy, consistency, and clear boundaries
• Competence in maintaining accurate documentation and shift communication logs
• Previous roles requiring team collaboration, supervision, or coordination with clinical professionals
• A deep sense of empathy, strong leadership instincts, and a natural ability to connect with and inspire young people.

Professional Competencies

• Strong interpersonal communication and active listening skills
• Empathy-driven approach to youth engagement and behavior management
• Consistent application of structure, routines, and program expectations
• Ability to serve as a positive role model in all interactions
• Effective decision-making under pressure, including during behavioral incidents
• Adaptability in dynamic, fast-paced environments
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professional ethics
• Ability to follow treatment protocols and contribute to team-based care
• Organizational skills and time management for multitasking responsibilities
• Commitment to continuous learning through trainings and professional development