Evening Youth Dormitory Support Specialist

Youth Connected Program•Santa Ana, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Dormitory Support Specialist supervises youth in foster care who may exhibit trauma responses, using a trauma-informed approach to support their well-being, development, and preparation for adulthood. The role provides structure and support in a smoke-free, safe, stable, family-style dormitory and resource-home environment. Work is performed under the direction and supervision of a Program Director, YCP. The position involves potentially high stress from participant crises and possible exposure to vicarious trauma; staff are encouraged to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. The position is full-time, hourly, and non-exempt, on the evening shift Sunday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. It is part of the Youth Connected Program – Dorms and reports to the Youth Dormitory Support Specialist Supervisor. The program includes a foster family agency and an on-site dormitory that collaborates with mental health providers, Samueli Academy School, government agencies, and other partners. The work takes place in a family-style school dormitory serving foster youth in grades 7–12 who may have medical, behavioral, or mental health needs, and may involve verbal or physical threats. Duties may also take place in local and community settings, including schools and recreation locations, and may involve transporting youth. The environment includes frequent interruptions and moderate-to-high noise levels. The role requires maintaining crisis-intervention and First Aid/CPR proficiency, physical activity, and safe driving, sometimes in heavy traffic. Schedule modifications may be made based on Foundation or program needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience working with at-risk youth; proof of education must be provided if hired.
Minimum of 2–4 years of experience working with child welfare or juvenile justice.
Understanding of trauma-informed practices that prioritize safety, trust, and emotional regulation.
Understanding of the needs and challenges of at-risk and justice-involved youth.
Knowledge of safe, non-punitive techniques to prevent, respond to, and manage crises.
Understanding of cultural identity, equity, and inclusive practices in youth services.
Ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and effectively with youth, families, and team members.
Skill in building rapport and trust with youth from diverse and challenging backgrounds.
Ability to maintain order and structure using positive reinforcement and restorative approaches.
Skill in recognizing behavioral triggers and redirecting youth effectively.
Ability to think quickly and respond appropriately in stressful or emergent situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with reporting requirements.
Ability to work cooperatively with staff, supervisors, and external partners.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance; DMV clearance is required.
Must successfully complete and maintain required certifications and training, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, First Aid/CPR, and other evidence-informed practices.
Must complete pre-employment criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification.
Must submit the required Plum.io assessment for the application to be considered complete.
Must be able to meet the physical requirements, including frequent carrying up to 20 pounds, pushing or pulling up to 50 pounds for 25 feet, regular lifting from floor to waist and above shoulder level, stair climbing, and bending, stooping, twisting, turning, and squatting.
Must be able to safely drive with youth in the vehicle, potentially in heavy traffic for more than one hour each way, and have stamina for shifts of up to 12 hours and driving for up to four hours.
May be required to use a personal vehicle.
Must have normal or corrected vision, hearing, and sense of smell, and normal ability to speak, for the duties described.
Must be able to maintain proficiency in Nonviolence Crisis Intervention and First Aid/CPR, which requires sustained bending, lifting, pulling, stooping, applying hand and arm pressure, and sitting or lying prone on the floor for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred.
Passion for and enjoyment of working directly with the TAY population.
Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.
Enjoyment of working directly with youth, volunteers, and community partners.

Responsibilities

Maintain direct evening supervision of youth to ensure safety, structure, and adherence to dormitory rules.
Monitor youth behavior and accountability in accordance with probation requirements and program expectations.
Conduct headcounts, room checks, and security checks.
Respond to incidents, emergencies, and behavioral escalations using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques.
Build trusting, supportive, and professional relationships with youth and serve as a positive role model.
Engage youth in individual and group conversations that encourage self-reflection, goal-setting, and responsible decision-making.
Facilitate or assist with evening activities that develop life skills, social-emotional learning, and personal development, including hygiene, cooking, time management, and communication.
Reinforce daily routines that foster independence, accountability, and readiness for community reintegration.
Provide mentorship and guidance on peer relationships, stress, and emotional regulation.
Support educational goals by ensuring participation in homework time or evening tutoring as applicable.
Collaborate with program staff to monitor progress toward probation goals, personal development plans, and behavioral milestones.
Communicate consistently with day staff to support continuity of care and services.
Document daily observations, incidents, interventions, and youth progress using designated reports.
Promptly report significant behavioral concerns, safety issues, or probation violations to the Youth Dormitory Support Specialist Supervisor.
Participate in shift-change briefings and case-review meetings as required.
Collaborate with supervisors, care coordinators, school staff, probation officers, and families to support holistic care.
Attend scheduled staff training, team meetings, and professional development sessions.
Help maintain a clean, orderly, welcoming dormitory; model and enforce expectations for cleanliness, respect, and communal living.
Promptly report maintenance needs, safety concerns, and supply shortages.
Safely drive vehicles transporting youth to events, family visits, and other activities as needed.

Benefits

Medical insurance (Blue Shield HMO and PPO) and HRA
Dental insurance through Delta Dental
Vision coverage through the EyeMed Network
Healthcare and dependent-care flexible spending accounts
Mental health services through Headspace, including virtual and in-person therapy
Employee assistance program through Umum and Headspace
Life, disability, accident, and critical illness coverage
Pet insurance
403(b) plan with company match
Cell phone stipend
Five sick days per year
Up to three floating holidays per year
15 days of PTO accrued during year one at five hours per pay period
13 company-paid holidays
Flexible scheduling
Professional development
Mental and physical wellness support
Competitive compensation