YOUTH VILLAGES, INC.·Memphis, Tennessee
The PAL Teacher designs and implements individualized educational and independent living programs for youth with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. Responsibilities include writing IEPs, administering academic testing, and maintaining detailed progress documentation in an electronic medical record system.
For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.
For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org [http://www.youthvillages.org/]
Youth Villages' residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. These programs are offered across three types of facilities—secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes—each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.
Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting. A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations). Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.
Duties: and Responsibilities:
Our schools operate year-round. Small class sizes allow more one on one attention to individual students and their educational needs. The standard Youth Villages class size ranges from 8 to 15 youth.
The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility.
Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds.
Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation.
Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license.
$52,000 - $53,000 per year based on education
*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.
Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree, be enrolled in a Teacher Education Program, and have experience working in a school setting. Physical agility is required to participate in interventions and lift up to 100 pounds, along with a valid driver's license.
Market context
In Tennessee, classroom teacher roles are often shaped by steady school staffing needs and the need to support student learning across grade levels. These positions can be competitive because districts look for candidates who meet state-aligned education or testing requirements and can bring classroom experience, basic technology skills, and student support experience. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm which qualification path you meet before applying.