Residential Youth Support Specialist

State of New York - Children & Family Services, Office of; Town of Rush (NY); On-site; USD 62,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

State of New York - Office of Children and Family Services seeks a Youth Support Specialist to supervise court-placed youth aged 12-20 in OCFS facilities and contribute to a safe, therapeutic environment.

You will join a team ensuring security and youth well-being, helping youth progress toward education, work readiness, and community transition goals.

The role requires relevant direct-care experience, mandatory training, and willingness to work shifts, overtime, and intrastate travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Two years full-time direct care experience in the care and programming of youth from ages 6-21; OR
• A high school graduation or equivalency diploma AND one year of experience in the care and programming of youth from ages 6-21; OR
• An Associate’s degree AND six months experience in the care and programming of youth from ages 6-21; OR
• A Bachelor’s degree;
• Direct care experience with youth involved in the juvenile justice system or in an institution, camp, school, community center, youth rehabilitation program, mental health or correctional institution, or residential center.
• Appropriate verifiable part-time experience will be accepted on a prorated basis.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor youth in secure, limited-secure, or non-secure residential facilities.
• Act as a member of a youth’s support team to address emotional and behavioral needs.
• Engage with youths under physical and/or emotional stress.
• Employ graduated harm reduction strategies to prevent unsafe behaviors.
• Collaborate to improve the well-being of the facility community.
• Supervise youths during recreation and educational activities and take on assignments as needed.
• Build positive, professional relationships with youths’ families and loved ones.
• Assist youths in achieving education, work readiness, and community transition goals.

Skills

Direct care

Youth programming

Juvenile justice

Team participation

Safety and supervision

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

State of New York - Office of Children and Family Services seeks a Youth Support Specialist to supervise court-placed youth aged 12-20 in OCFS facilities and contribute to a safe, therapeutic environment.

You will join a team ensuring security and youth well-being, helping youth progress toward education, work readiness, and community transition goals.

The role requires relevant direct-care experience, mandatory training, and willingness to work shifts, overtime, and intrastate travel as needed.