About the Role:

Pathways to Purpose in Cleveland, OH is looking for a passionate and dedicated Youth Care Specialist to join our team and make a real difference in the lives of young at-risk girls 12-18 years old. This is a rewarding opportunity to provide hands-on support, guidance, and mentorship to youth who need it most. If you're driven by purpose and committed to empowering the next generation, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

Provide direct care and supervision to youth in a group home setting

Build positive, trusting relationships with youth to support emotional and behavioral development

Implement individualized care plans and document progress and behavioral observations

De-escalate crisis situations using trauma-informed and youth-centered approaches

Facilitate group activities, life skills programming, and recreational opportunities

Collaborate with case managers, counselors, and families to support each youth's goals

Maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing environment at all times

Requirements:

High school diploma or GED required; degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field preferred

Prior experience working with at-risk youth, adolescents in a group home and or residential care setting

Knowledge of trauma-informed care, behavioral intervention, and youth development principles

Strong communication, conflict resolution, and crisis de-escalation skills

Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building meaningful rapport with youth

Must pass a background check and meet all state licensing requirements

CPR/First Aid and CPI certification preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire

About Us:

Pathways to Purpose is a Cleveland-based organization dedicated to transforming the lives of young girls through compassionate care, structured support, and meaningful rapport. Our clients and their families trust us because we go beyond basic care — we invest in futures. Our team members thrive here because they know their work truly matters, backed by a culture of collaboration, purpose, and community impact.