Youth Support & Safety Mentor

NYS Office of Children and Family Services; Town of Rush (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYS Office of Children and Family Services is seeking a Youth Support Specialist to supervise court-placed youth aged 12-20 in secure, limited-secure, and non-secure facilities. You will work as part of a treatment-focused team to ensure safety, promote well-being, and support education and transition goals.

You will engage with youth from diverse backgrounds, apply harm-reduction strategies, and may require shift work, weekends, and travel to appointments as described in the role.

Qualifications

• Two years full-time direct care experience in the care and programming of youth aged 6-21.
• High school graduation or equivalency diploma with one year of youth care experience.
• Associate’s degree with six months youth care experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in any field.
• Direct care experience with youth involved in the juvenile justice system or residential settings.

Responsibilities

• Supervise court-placed youth aged 12-20 across OCFS facilities and ensure physical security and emotional safety.
• Participate as a member of a youth’s support team to address emotional and behavioral needs.
• Engage with youth under stress and apply graduated harm reduction strategies.
• Provide mentorship, support education, work readiness, and community transition goals.
• Supervise recreation and education activities and assist with as-needed assignments.
• Establish professional relationships with youths’ families and loved ones.

Job description

The NYS Office of Children and Family Services is seeking a Youth Support Specialist to supervise court-placed youth aged 12-20 in secure, limited-secure, and non-secure facilities. You will work as part of a treatment-focused team to ensure safety, promote well-being, and support education and transition goals.

You will engage with youth from diverse backgrounds, apply harm-reduction strategies, and may require shift work, weekends, and travel to appointments as described in the role.