About this role
Youth Care Specialist / Mental Health Technician
Location: Clover Bottom Campus – Nashville, TN (Walnut/Rosewood Youth Academy, Harpeth Primary Assessment Center, Two Rivers Primary Assessment Center, Safe Therapeutic Respite Center) Department: Direct Care / Residential Services Job Type: Full-Time
About Youth Opportunity & Clover Bottom Campus
Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. The Clover Bottom Campus in Nashville, Tennessee, is a multi-program campus providing trauma-informed residential and assessment-based care for youth with complex behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs.
The campus includes Walnut/Rosewood Youth Academy, Harpeth Primary Assessment Center, Two Rivers Primary Assessment Center, and a Safe Therapeutic Respite Center. Serving adolescents across varying levels of care, Clover Bottom combines structured supervision, clinical treatment, education, recreation, and life-skills programming to support stabilization, accountability, and successful transition into long-term care or community-based settings.
Youth Opportunity is dedicated to empowering youth through individualized care, strong relationships, and a culture rooted in teamwork, leadership, and accountability. We invest in excellence—both in the youth we serve and the employees who support them.
About the Role
The Youth Care Specialist / Mental Health Technician is a direct-care position responsible for the supervision, safety, and daily support of youth in a residential or assessment setting. This role provides structured guidance while modeling appropriate behavior, reinforcing positive decision-making, and supporting treatment goals.
Youth Care Specialists work closely with clinical, educational, and operational staff to maintain a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment. This position plays a critical role in helping youth develop internal controls, social skills, and personal responsibility.
Benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment
Key Responsibilities
• Provide direct supervision to a group of approximately 7–10 youth during waking and non-waking hours
• Maintain constant awareness of youth whereabouts and ensure compliance with safety, security, and movement procedures
• Create and maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment using trauma-informed care principles
• Utilize group counseling techniques, individual relationships, and positive discipline strategies, including the I-Choose behavior management system
• Apply crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques when necessary to maintain safety
• Conduct group meetings, huddles, problem-solving sessions, and daily reviews to reinforce accountability and positive peer interaction
• Represent youth progress, needs, and concerns to the treatment team or designated counselor
• Assist classroom teachers with supervision and reinforcement of educational content within living units
• Support youth participation in recreational, educational, and treatment-related activities
• Document daily shift activities, incidents, and population counts in accordance with policy
• Communicate critical information to oncoming shifts to ensure continuity of care
• Make referrals for medical or special needs as appropriate
• Report any incidents or concerns related to youth safety or boundary violations
• Participate in required training and professional development activities
• Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Two years of college coursework in a social or human services field preferred
• For candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of experience working with youth preferred
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to build respectful, professional relationships with youth
• Demonstrated group leadership and counseling skills
• Ability to think independently, analyze situations, and respond appropriately
• Ability to complete accurate, objective written documentation
• First Aid, CPR, and approved crisis intervention certifications must be obtained during the probationary period
• Valid state driver’s license required
• Must meet all state and criminal background check requirements
Physical Demands
• Must be in good physical health and emotionally stable • Able to actively engage with youth, participate in physical interventions, and transport youth or staff as needed • Must be free of communicable diseases as defined by the state • Must pass evaluation of physical techniques and certification exams
Apply Today
Apply on Indeed or visit www.YouthOpportunity.com/YourFuture
Equal Opportunity Employer Youth Opportunity Investments is an equal opportunity employer $17.00 - $19.00