Youth Development Mentor - Juvenile Services

NYC Administration for Children's Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,075 - 72,210; Full time

Job summary

NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is seeking a Youth Development Specialist to support youth in residential and community settings. The role focuses on supervision, mentoring, pro-social and academic skills, and safety plans within the Division of Youth and Family Justice.

Responsibilities include facilitating daily routines, court preparation, group activities, crisis de‑escalation, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team to promote positive youth outcomes.

Qualifications

• Four‑year high school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of full‑time satisfactory experience working directly with juveniles or young adults (ages 10‑24).
• One year of full‑time experience in security or public safety in an educational or juvenile setting.
• One year of health or human services field experience such as counseling or social work, or military service.
• Degree or combination of education and experience equivalent to the above.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate, engage and support youth in activities including school, wake‑up and bedtime routines, meals, chores, recreation, religious services, court preparation, court attendance, family visits, healthcare visits, and other activities as necessary.
• Mentor and guide youth individually and in groups using a behavior management system to shape youth behavior.
• Address conflicts with crisis intervention methods such as verbal de‑escalation and reframing strategies with minimal use of physical intervention.
• May serve as part of a rapid response team to respond to emergency situations.
• Drive transport vehicles and ensure youth safety in vehicles and court detention rooms.

Skills

Youth engagement

Public safety in educational setting

Mentoring or counseling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Relevant associate or baccalaureate degree

Job description

NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is seeking a Youth Development Specialist to support youth in residential and community settings. The role focuses on supervision, mentoring, pro-social and academic skills, and safety plans within the Division of Youth and Family Justice.

Responsibilities include facilitating daily routines, court preparation, group activities, crisis de‑escalation, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team to promote positive youth outcomes.