Direct Care Support Professional
About The Position
Kentucky United Methodist Children’s Homes (KyUMH) is seeking dedicated individuals to serve as Youth Care Associates, working directly with teen boys in a residential treatment setting. This role is crucial for helping young people learn to manage emotions, handle conflict, build healthier relationships, and move towards a more stable future. The position is hands-on, fast-paced, and deeply meaningful, offering both rewarding and challenging days. The work involves providing structure, consistency, accountability, patience, encouragement, calm leadership, and safe boundaries to youth aged 12-17, emphasizing that adults should not give up on them when things get difficult.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Kentucky Driver’s License
- Ability to pass background check and drug screening
- Ability to complete Safe Crisis Management training
- CPR/First Aid certification required (training provided)
Nice To Haves
- Calm under pressure
- Consistent and dependable
- Emotionally steady
- Team-oriented
- Good communicators
- Able to balance empathy with accountability
- Comfortable setting healthy boundaries
- Able to stay professional during stressful situations
- Prior experience in residential treatment is not required, as training and support are provided.
Responsibilities
- Build professional, supportive relationships with youth ages 12-17
- Help create a safe, structured, and respectful environment
- Teach and reinforce emotional regulation, communication, responsibility, and problem-solving skills
- Support youth through stressful situations, setbacks, conflict, and behavioral crises
- Work as part of a team to maintain safety and consistency
- Use verbal de-escalation and Safe Crisis Management techniques when necessary (training provided)
- Participate in recreational activities, transportation, meals, daily routines, and community activities
- Model professionalism, emotional control, accountability, and healthy boundaries
- Encourage youth growth while maintaining clear expectations and consistency
Benefits
- Paid training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and de-escalation
- Hands-on experience in behavioral health and youth mentorship
- Supportive team environment
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and mental health care
- Eight paid holidays plus one floating holiday
- Tuition assistance and continuing education support
- Employee Assistance Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
