LEAD YOUTH SUPPORT WORKER

Apis Services Inc•Willingboro Township, NJ

4d•$0 - $23

About The Position

The Youth Support Shift Lead works at Hope Homes – Timber House, a therapeutic residential setting serving youth ages 14 to 21. The role supports adolescents with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, including youth experiencing behavioral health challenges. The Shift Lead helps create a safe, structured, nurturing environment where residents can develop independence, confidence, and life skills. The position combines shift leadership and staff coordination with direct youth support. Duties include assigning staff responsibilities, mentoring and supporting team members, building positive relationships with residents, leading individualized life skills and educational activities, assisting with daily living, observing and evaluating youth functioning, and implementing appropriate behavior-management strategies. The role may also include transportation, support with community participation, and on-call leadership support when needed. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Paid training is provided. A high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of direct experience working with youth in an out-of-home treatment setting are required; some program elements may require three to five years of experience. Applicants must be at least 21, hold a valid driver's license, complete physical and drug screening, and pass the required criminal-record, FBI, and child-abuse history clearances.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 2 years of direct experience working with youth in an out-of-home treatment setting; some program elements may require 3–5 years.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Valid driver's license.
Must successfully complete physical and drug screening.
Must pass Criminal Record History, FBI, and Child Abuse History Clearances.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to build meaningful relationships with residents, families, and team members.
Ability to assist with daily living activities and implement behavior-management strategies.
Ability to remain calm and composed in challenging situations.
Compassion, patience, empathy, dependability, teamwork, professionalism, and a service-focused, positive approach.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Oversee shift operations and assign duties to staff.
Motivate and support team members.
Maintain a structured, safe, and nurturing environment.
Provide leadership and on-call support when needed.
Work directly with youth experiencing behavioral health challenges.
Provide trauma-informed and strength-based support.
Build positive and meaningful relationships with residents and serve as a mentor and positive role model.
Design and lead life skills and educational activities tailored to each youth's needs and strengths.
Assist youth with daily living activities and reinforce social skills and independence.
Observe and evaluate youth's daily functioning and help identify individual needs and strengths.
Support individualized service approaches and implement appropriate behavior-management strategies.
Provide transportation as needed and support youth participation in community activities and services.
Reinforce positive behaviors and social skills and provide additional support during challenging situations.