Lead Youth Caregiver

Children's Home Network • Tampa, FL

1d

About The Position

The Lead Youth Caregiver, identified in the job overview as the Cottage Team Lead, supports the Cottage Supervisor with the daily operations of Children’s Home Network residential cottages. The role provides leadership and guidance to staff and helps maintain a safe, structured, therapeutic environment for children and youth. When the Cottage Supervisor is absent, the Team Lead serves as the shift supervisor and helps ensure quality care, safety, and compliance with program standards.

The position combines staff support with direct care and supervision of youth, including assistance with daily living activities and appropriate care for infants and toddlers. The Team Lead implements trauma-informed care, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), crisis-prevention techniques, and individualized behavior plans; facilitates activities supporting youth development; maintains required documentation; and helps coordinate cottage programming around each child's needs.

Requirements

• Associate degree in human services or a related field, or commitment to obtain behavioral health certification within 18 months.
• At least two years of experience as a caregiver in a residential setting serving children.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and eligibility for coverage under CHN’s auto insurance policy.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Successful completion and maintenance of required FDLE clearance, federal and state criminal background checks, and sexual predator screening.
• Leadership and staff supervision skills.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Experience working with children and youth in residential care.
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills.
• Trauma-informed care and behavior-management skills.
• Organization, accountability, and sound decision-making.
• Compassion, patience, and ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of the 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) course; this may satisfy the college education requirement and may be completed within the first year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily cottage operations, coach staff, assist with training new caregivers, and provide guidance to improve staff performance.
• Supervise and support youth with hygiene, meals, housekeeping, academics, recreation, and independent living skills, including providing appropriate care for infants and toddlers.
• Implement trauma-informed care, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), crisis-prevention techniques, and individualized behavior plans.
• Ensure accurate completion of safety checks, medication records, shift reports, incident reports, and other required documentation for approximately 10–12 youth.
• Facilitate activities that promote social skills, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, education, goal setting, and life skills.
• Respond to emergencies, assist with crisis intervention, follow mandated reporting requirements, and help maintain a safe campus environment.
• Transport youth using agency vehicles, maintain vehicle documentation, and follow agency policies and traffic laws.
• Support the supervisor in monitoring and improving cottage programming while ensuring each child's cultural, personal, medical, and developmental needs are met.
• Serve as shift supervisor when the Cottage Supervisor is absent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree