Family Specialist

together for youth; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid travel time

Monthly incentive

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Together for Youth seeks a Non-Secure Detention Family Specialist to support youth growth through counseling, mentorship, and structured case management.

Responsibilities include screening, individual counseling, liaison with families and DSS staff, and maintaining accurate records. A Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s preferred, with TCI and First Aid/CPR training after hire.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services or related field required with 2 years of case manager experience.
• Master's degree preferred with 1 year of youth-focused experience.
• TCI certification and First Aid/CPR training required after hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial screenings and assessments for all youth admitted to the facility.
• Provide individual counseling and address underlying detention-related challenges.
• Coordinate communication between youth, families and DSS workers, probation officers, and guardians.
• Assist NSD Coordinator with facility operations and a safe, structured environment.
• Collect/maintain data from youth files, court reports, and assessments for service planning.
• Prepare court summaries and required documentation; supervise and counsel youth as needed.
• Coordinate family contact, visitation, and record storage; ensure data entry in JDAS/EVOLV.
• Ensure compliance with State Regulations and COA requirements; uphold agency policies.

Skills

Case management

Youth services

Counseling

Communication

Driving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

JDAS

EVOLV

Job description

The Non-Secure Detention Family Specialist position is responsible for helping youth grow, learn, and overcome challenges, and guide youth through counseling, mentorship, and providing structured case management services.Additional Compensation & Travel IncentivesTo support employees working at our Canaan campus ahead of our planned relocation to Glenmont, NY, we are offering the following additional compensation and travel benefits:Paid Travel Time: Receive compensation for up to two hours of commuting time per workday, including one hour traveling to the Canaan campus and one hour returning home.$500 Monthly Incentive: Eligible employees will receive an additional $500 per month as an incentive for working at the Canaan location.Mileage Reimbursement: Eligible employees will receive mileage reimbursement for the additional distance traveled to the Canaan campus compared to their commute to our future Glenmont location. Reimbursement applies when the Canaan commute exceeds the distance to Glenmont.These additional benefits are designed to help offset commuting expenses and recognize employees' commitment as we prepare for our transition to the Glenmont campus.Job ResponsibilitiesProvides case management services such as conducting initial screenings and assessments for all youth admitted to the facility, provides individual counseling, and helps address the underlying challenges that led to detention.Facilitate communication and act as a liaison between the youth, their family, and key stakeholders such as DSS workers, probation officers, and law guardians.Consults with program staff to offer mental health screenings, risk assessments, and crisis management support.Assists the NSD Coordinator with facility operations and ensuring a safe, structured, and supportive environment in their absence.Collects and maintains necessary data from various sources including but not limited to youth files, court reports, admission intake packets, assessments, case notes, etc. to assist in providing appropriate services for youth.Prepares required documentation for courts such as summaries and reports regarding youth in careAssists staff in supervision and counseling of youth.Coordinates family contact and visitation.Responsible for record storing and filling.Completes data entry in systems such as JDAS and EVOLV.Ensures compliance with all State Regulations and COA requirements and adheres to required documentation standards and practices.Adheres to agency policies and procedures; follows and supports agency mission, vision and values including participating in internal surveys and data collection for continuous improvement initiatives.Other duties as assignedJob RequirementsMinimum of bachelor’s degree in human services or related field, required with 2 years of case manager experience and experience working with youth juvenile detention centers, group homes, youth shelters, youth diversion programs or in a comparable discipline involving work with youth and families is required.Master’s degree is preferred with 1 year of experience working with youth or children.Successful completion of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification and First Aid/CPR training is required following hire as part of on-the-job training.Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.Ability to work with an economically and culturally diverse population.Salary$23.08 - $25.24 per hour; commensurate on experienceEqual Opportunity EmployerTogether for Youth is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment where diversity is valued and recognized as a source of strength and enrichment. We seek to attract talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. As a federal contractor, Together for Youth will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)#NSDCAN