Developmental Youth Caregiver

A Youth Caregiver at The Children’s Home Network is responsible for providing daily care, supervision, safety, and emotional support to children and teenagers ages 6–17 in a therapeutic residential setting. The role includes working with youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual or developmental disabilities, helping them develop independence, life skills, and positive behaviors.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily care and supervision: Ensure the safety, health, and well-being of youth while supporting personal hygiene, self-care, meals, bedtime routines, and daily chores.
• Behavioral and emotional support: Use trauma-informed care, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviors and encourage positive choices.
• Life skills development: Teach social skills, communication, anger management, problem-solving, goal setting, housekeeping, cooking, and other independent living skills.
• Activities and recreation: Plan and participate in educational, recreational, social, spiritual, and community-based activities appropriate to each child's age and needs.
• Therapeutic teamwork: Collaborate with therapists, teachers, medical personnel, families, and other staff to support each child's treatment goals and overall development.
• Documentation and reporting: Maintain accurate records of youth activities, behaviors, medications, safety checks, and incidents. Complete environmental checks at least every 15 minutes and report concerns appropriately.
• Medication and health care: Administer and document medications according to agency procedures and coordinate with medical staff regarding health needs.
• Family and placement support: Help prepare youth and families for foster care, adoptive placements, or reunification.
• Maintaining a safe environment: Keep cottages clean and organized, follow confidentiality and safety policies, and transport youth safely to activities and appointments.
• Training and meetings: Attend team meetings, treatment plan reviews, and at least 40 hours of specialized training annually.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; an associate degree in a human services-related field is preferred or listed as an additional qualification.
• At least one year of residential-setting experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• At least six months of experience working with children.
• Must be at least 23 years old.

Important Skills for This Role

• Patience, compassion, and empathy.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviors and stressful situations.
• Understanding of child development and individual needs.
• Reliability, attention to detail, and accurate documentation.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and follow safety procedures.