Youth Development Specialist

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

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY OF $55,075.00.

It is important that you file for, take and pass the next examination for the Civil Service title of Youth Development Specialist when it is made available to avoid being “bumped” out of your position when the eligible list for this title is established.

Please visit https://www.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/how-can-you-find-upcoming-exams.page.

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well‑being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community‑based supports and foster care services, and provides subsidized child care vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community.

The Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) provides a wide range of services and programs for youth at every stage of the juvenile justice process. Our goals are to (a) build stronger and safer communities and advance public safety by preventing juveniles from entering the New York City’s juvenile justice system, (b) provide therapeutic treatment and services to youth in our custodial care, and (c) help juveniles access the tools they need to leave the justice system for good. We strive to help families and young people by providing supportive services that are responsive to the needs of individual youth and families.

DYFJ manages two secure detention facilities for youth in New York City, providing round‑the‑clock care, supervision, and rehabilitation. Operating 24/7, the facility is responsible for the safety and well‑being of detained minors, ensuring a secure environment while promoting positive behavioral development. Staff oversee daily activities, monitor behavior, and implement individualized treatment plans. The facility prioritizes security, education, mental health support, and restorative practices to address the needs of detained youth. Additionally, staff maintain compliance with state regulations and best practices for youth detention.

Duties

• Facilitate, engage and support youth in all 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.
• Facilitate youth learning of pro‑social, academic and vocational skills.
• Mentor and guide youth individually and in groups while using a behavior management system to shape youth behavior.
• Facilitate youth group meetings in the residential unit.
• Address conflicts with crisis intervention methods such as verbal de‑escalation, reframing strategies and physical de‑escalation techniques using the least amount of physical intervention necessary.
• May serve as part of a rapid response team to respond to emergency situations.
• Work with youth to provide gang remediation activities and anti‑bullying and violence reduction interventions.
• As part of an interdisciplinary team, develop individualized and group treatment, programming and safety plans and support for academic achievement.
• Follow all policies and procedures, including health, safety, and security protocols such as those concerning searches, headcounts, bed checks, intervention in volatile situations, the use of restraints and others.
• Observe youth closely and record observations.
• Complete required reports on attendance, incidents and behavior observations.
• Participate in youth admission and orientation processes.
• Drive transport vehicles and ensure youth safety in vehicles and court detention rooms.

Minimum 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) in any of: juvenile detention, education, vocational rehabilitation, anti‑violence work, mental health, counseling, mentoring, youth/young adult leadership development, recreation, sports/athletics, health promotion, community organizing, or related activities.
• One year of full‑time satisfactory experience working in security or public safety in an educational setting, juvenile or young adult detention, or a community services setting that primarily serves juveniles/young adults.
• One year of full‑time satisfactory experience in a health or human services field such as mental health, counseling, nursing, life or career coaching, casework, social work, probation, congregate care, physical fitness, sports training, or one year of honorable full‑time U.S. military service commanding service members.
• Relevant associate or baccalaureate degree, or a satisfactory combination of education and experience equivalent to the above.

License Requirement

For certain positions a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York is required. This license must be maintained for the duration of the assignment.

Additional Requirement

Section 424‑A of the New York State Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child‑care responsibilities is or has been the subject of an indicated child abuse and maltreatment report on file with the statewide central register of child abuse and maltreatment.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55‑a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55‑a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is not required for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

$55,075.00 – $72,210.00