Youth Support & Mentorship Specialist

NYS Office of Children and Family Services; Town of Lansing (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYS Office of Children and Family Services is hiring a Youth Services Specialist to work in state facilities. The role focuses on building professional, safe, and trusting relationships with youth while supervising and supporting their education and personal development.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, engage families, and apply harm-reduction approaches to keep youth and staff safe.

Qualifications

• Two years of full-time direct care experience with youth ages 6–21.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Associate’s degree with six months of experience.
• High school diploma or GED with one year of experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Direct care experience with youth in juvenile justice or related settings.

Responsibilities

• Establish a professional, safe, and trusting relationship with youth and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Supervise and monitor youth, including 1-to-1 supervision when needed.
• Actively participate as a member of the youth’s support team.
• Engage with youth under stress.
• Apply graduated harm reduction strategies and intervene when unsafe.
• Collaborate to improve facility well-being.
• Supervise or assist during recreation and education activities.
• Build positive relationships with families.
• Assist youth in education, work readiness, and community transition goals.

Skills

Direct care experience

Deescalation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Associate’s degree

High school diploma

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

The NYS Office of Children and Family Services is hiring a Youth Services Specialist to work in state facilities. The role focuses on building professional, safe, and trusting relationships with youth while supervising and supporting their education and personal development.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, engage families, and apply harm-reduction approaches to keep youth and staff safe.