Lead Youth Caregiver

Job Overview The Cottage Team Lead supports the Cottage Supervisor in managing daily operations at Children’s Home Network (CHN) residential cottages. This role provides leadership and guidance to staff while ensuring a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for children and youth. The Team Lead also serves as the shift supervisor when the supervisor is absent and helps ensure quality care, safety, and compliance with program standards.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee daily cottage operations, coach staff, assist with training new caregivers, and provide guidance to improve staff performance. Youth Supervision and Care: Supervise and support youth with daily living activities, including hygiene, meals, housekeeping, academics, recreation, and independent living skills. Ensure appropriate care for infants and toddlers.

Therapeutic Support: Implement trauma-informed care, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), crisis prevention techniques, and individualized behavior plans. Documentation and Accountability: Ensure accurate completion of safety checks, medication records, shift reports, incident reports, and other required documentation for approximately 10–12 youth.

Program Activities: Facilitate activities that promote social skills, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, education, goal setting, and life skills. Safety and Crisis Management: Respond to emergencies, assist with crisis intervention, follow mandated reporting requirements, and help maintain a safe campus environment.

Transportation and Compliance: Transport youth using agency vehicles, maintain vehicle documentation, and follow agency policies and traffic laws. Program Coordination: Support the supervisor in monitoring and improving cottage programming while ensuring each child's cultural, personal, medical, and developmental needs are met.

Minimum Qualifications

An associate degree in human services or a related field, or a commitment to obtain behavioral health certification within 18 months. At least two years of experience as a caregiver in a residential setting serving children. Alternatively, completion of the 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) course may satisfy the college education requirement.

This may be completed within the first year of employment. Current First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire. Valid Florida driver’s license and eligibility for coverage under CHN’s auto insurance policy. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Successful completion and maintenance of required FDLE clearance, federal and state criminal background checks, and sexual predator screening. Key Skills and Qualities Leadership and staff supervision Strong communication and documentation skills Experience working with children and youth in residential care Crisis intervention and conflict resolution Trauma-informed care and behavior management Organization, accountability, and sound decision-making Compassion, patience, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team