Youth Specialist

Youth Specialist

Youth Specialists lead the SailFuture Life Skills Center, a day-time program for youth in foster care who do not have stable residential placement. 

Youth specialists work to help teens move from a place of crisis to stability. This position requires a previous understanding of trauma and a unique ability to manage and de-escalate conflict. 

The center is open from 7am to 9pm and offers a wide range of education, vocational, and extracurricular programming.

The Life skills Center works in close partnership with SailFuture’s Child Welfare Case Managers, creating a unified team for the teens in our care.

We recognize that the behaviors and outbursts we see with teens in foster care are a symptom of a systemic problem, not an indication of a child’s potential, worth, or character. We are seeking applicants who share this belief and are authentically committed to our kids.

Daily Responsibilities 

• Supervise and support up to 8 youth per day in the Center
• Assist with the preparation and cooking of breakfast and lunch 
• Assist with GED instruction 
• Assist with transportation and logistics (using both personal vehicle and staff vehicle)
• Assist with the cleaning and maintenance of the center 
• Build unique and individualized relationships with each of teens in the Center
• Daily documentation via Slack (team communication app)
• Lead workshops and activities, including but not limited to: GED Education, Resume Prep, Vision Board Planning, Small Groups, Physical Fitness, etc.
• De-escalate and prevent conflict
• Maintain the safety of all youth at all times. Staff must be prepared to physically restrain a youth who is in imminent danger of harming himself or someone else
• Assist with the implementation of the youth’s individual treatment plan (if applicable)
• Dispense medications (when applicable)

Compensation: $28,000 per year - Salaried, not eligible for overtime pay

Work Hours: 40-45 hours per week. 

Work Location: SailFuture Day Center | 282 15th St. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Experience:

• Minimum 1 year experience working with adolescents or children
• Clean Driving Record: 1 year (Required)

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent (Required)