Youth Dormitory Support Specialist, Evening Probation

Orangewood Residential•Santa Ana, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Dormitory Support Specialist supervises youth in foster care who may exhibit trauma responses, supporting their safety, stability, and development through a trauma-informed approach. The role helps youth build educational and career skills, life skills, and readiness for adulthood in a smoke-free, safe, family-style dormitory and resource-home environment. The position works under the direction and supervision of the Program Director, Youth Connected Program, and involves potential high stress from responding to participant crises and possible exposure to vicarious trauma. Staff are encouraged to prioritize self-care and seek appropriate support. The position is full-time, hourly, and non-exempt, with a Sunday–Thursday schedule from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The role is part of the Youth Connected Program, which includes a foster family agency and an on-site dormitory working with mental health providers, Samueli Academy School, government agencies, and other partners. Work takes place in a school dormitory serving foster youth in grades 7–12, as well as local and community settings, including transportation to activities and visits. The work environment may include medical, behavioral, and mental health needs; verbal and physical threats; frequent interruptions; and moderate to high noise. Physical requirements include regular bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, stooping, twisting, squatting, climbing stairs, and sitting or standing for extended periods. The role may require carrying up to 20 pounds, pushing or pulling up to 50 pounds, lifting items up to approximately 50 pounds, driving youth in heavy traffic for extended periods, and working 12-hour shifts. There may be occasional exposure to blood-borne pathogens, outside environmental conditions, and use of a personal vehicle.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited school or university is preferred; alternatively, a high school diploma from an accredited school or equivalent and two years of experience working with at-risk youth are required.
A minimum of 2–4 years of experience working with child welfare or juvenile justice is required.
Qualifying experience must have been performed as paid or unpaid staff whose duties involved direct supervision and care of the client group served.
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.
Ability to build 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 emergency 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.
Must have a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance, and pass DMV clearance.
Must successfully complete and maintain required certifications and training, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and First Aid/CPR, as well as other evidence-informed practices.
Must complete pre-employment criminal background screening, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB testing, drug screening, and previous employment verification.
Must submit the required Plum.io assessment for the application to be considered complete.
Must maintain proficiency in Nonviolence Crisis Intervention and First Aid/CPR.
Must be able to safely drive vehicles transporting one or more youth, potentially in heavy traffic for more than one hour each way.
Physical ability to perform the stated job duties, including lifting up to approximately 50 pounds and working extended shifts.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited school or university.
Passion for and enjoyment of working directly with transition-age youth (TAY).
Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.
Enjoyment of working directly with youth, volunteers, and community partners.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise youth during evening hours to ensure safety, structure, and compliance with dormitory rules and probation requirements.
Conduct regular 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 model respectful, responsible, and consistent behavior.
Engage youth in individual or 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 routines that support independence, accountability, and community reintegration, and mentor youth in peer relationships, stress management, 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.
Maintain clear communication with day staff to support continuity of care and services.
Document daily observations, behavioral incidents, interventions, and youth progress using designated reports.
Timely report significant behavioral concerns, safety issues, and 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 youth families to support holistic care.
Attend scheduled staff training, team meetings, and professional development sessions.
Support trauma-informed and restorative practices and a team-oriented environment.
Help maintain a clean, orderly, and 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 through Blue Shield HMO and PPO, plus HRA
Dental insurance through Delta Dental
Vision insurance through the EyeMed Network
Healthcare and dependent-care flexible spending accounts
Mental health support 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) retirement 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
Professional development
Flexible scheduling
Mental and physical wellness support
Competitive compensation