Adult Care Specialist

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services•Cincinnati, OH

40d•Onsite

About The Position

Help young adults discover their strengths—and their future. Are you the kind of person who can turn everyday moments into teachable ones? Do you believe every young person deserves support, dignity, and a chance to grow? If you light up at the idea of helping youth find stability, skills, and confidence, then you might be our next Adult Care Specialist! At our residential programs, you’ll be part mentor, part coach, part steady presence—and a huge part of someone’s journey toward independence. SHEAKLEY CENTER FOR YOUTH is a multipurpose complex for homeless youth. The building houses 36 individual shelter bedrooms for youth ages 18-24, 39 apartments, and a day resource center. Mental health care, life skills and job training, substance abuse services, and help finding employment and safe housing are provided. Our Street Outreach Team is also housed in the Sheakley Center. Shelter: Each young adult works with a case manager who helps the young adult develop a plan and implement it. The goal is to guide young people into safe, stable housing. Day Resource Center: A safe place for homeless teenagers and young adults to come in off the streets and get basic need items. Open every day 9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m., food, clothing, toiletries, laundry facilities, and computers are available. A registered nurse provides basic health care and first aid. Lunch is served daily. Street Outreach Team: They comb Cincinnati to help youth who are experiencing homelessness and connect them to resources.

Requirements

A trauma-informed mindset
Commitment to LGBTQ+ and racial equity
Comfort and proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite
Strong engagement and facilitation skills
Deep empathy and understanding
Skilled at supervision and safety
Ability to train and develop youth in life skills
Excellent documentation and compliance habits
A team-first attitude
Flexibility when each day brings something new
Solid problem-solving instincts
High school diploma or GED

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree
2+ years working with at-risk youth or in a residential program
Coursework or background in education, social work, or psychology
CPR/First Aid certification

Responsibilities

Build meaningful connections with youth, helping them explore their goals and spark their potential.
Implement strengths-based, youth-centered program goals to help residents move toward less restrictive settings.
Maintain a safe, structured, and positive environment at all times.
Understand each youth’s story, preferences, and challenges—and use that understanding in both daily interactions and crisis moments.
Teach real-life skills, from hygiene to life skills to community resources, to help young adults build confidence and independence.
Deliver interventions as outlined in individualized service plans and complete all necessary documentation.
Use strength-focused, trauma-informed language to help youth reach their full potential.
Keep thorough, timely notes in our electronic health record (EHR).
Coordinate seamlessly with the next shift so everything runs smoothly.
Attend training, supervision, seminars, and staff meetings to sharpen your skills.
Mentor, encourage, and model positive behavior and social inclusion.
Help youth navigate challenges with patience and empathy.
Organize or assist with structured groups, activities, and events.
Provide transportation to and from program activities.
Maintain high-quality records, reports, and documentation.
Prepare meals for residents as needed.
Maintain current knowledge on safety, safeguarding, crisis response, and policy updates.