Youth Support Specialist

Fosteringgood; Town of Lancaster (NY); On-site; USD 26,174 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401k with company match

120 hours PTO in first year

13 agency holidays

$250 bonus after 6 months

Professional development

Job summary

New Directions Youth & Family Services seeks a Youth Support Specialist to guide youth in a community-based residential setting. You will provide care, supervision, and therapeutic support within a structured milieu, contributing to consistent routines and safety.

The role includes training opportunities such as TCI, First Aid/CPR, and supervision, with an emphasis on trauma-informed care and teamwork in a dynamic residential program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; related experience may be considered.
• High School Diploma or GED required or equivalent experience.
• One to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Wake children each morning, ensure they are dressed, fed and ready for school.
• Provide health guidance and personal habit instructions to youth.
• Plan and lead recreational activities; supervise youth in games and exercises.
• Supervise residents per unit/agency policies and NYSOCFS rules.
• Perform minor clothing repairs and escort youth to activities.
• Supervise housekeeping and unit activities to maintain a safe environment.
• Provide crisis intervention and decision-making support as needed.
• Deliver or assist in independent living skills training and life skills.

Skills

Youth engagement

Team collaboration

Communication

Crisis intervention

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Description

Job Title: Youth Support Specialist

Department: Agency Operated Boarding Home (AOBH)

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides guidance & support to the youth in a community-based AOBH.

Department

New Directions Youth & Family Services’ Residential Services program provides 24/7 care for youth in need of consistency, safety, and support. Staff create therapeutic, trauma-informed environments that help young people learn, grow, and prepare for long-term success.

Agency

New Directions Youth & Family Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• 401k with up to 3% agency match
• 120 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays
• Consistent schedule for full-time employees; flexible scheduling available for on‑call staff
• $250 bonus after 6 months of employment
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Join a company where over 30% of staff have been with us for 10+ years

Compensation

$19.00 – $20.00 per hour in the first year, with guaranteed raises for full-time positions.

Hours/Schedule

• Full-Time: Consistent schedule

Professional Development Opportunities

Youth Support Specialists receive extensive training, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), First Aid/CPR, and ongoing in‑service learning. Staff participate in supervision and professional development activities to maintain a high level of expertise and support in working with youth.

Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities

1. Awakens children each morning and ensures youth are dressed, fed, and ready for school or other activity.
2. Gives instructions to youth regarding desirable health and personal habits.
3. Plans and leads recreational activities and participates or instructs youth in games.
4. Provides unit residents with direction and discipline according to unit and agency policies and procedures, and rules and regulations of NYSOCFS.
5. Makes minor repairs to clothing.
6. Escorts youth to designated activities.
7. Performs housekeeping duties in youth living area. Supervises housekeeping activities of other workers in assigned section of institution.
8. Provides supervision of youth on living unit according to individual needs as determined by Program Coordinator and Manager.
9. Works cooperatively as an employee of the agency and a member of unit treatment team to maintain therapeutic milieu and actively contributes to Living Unit design.
10. Is available to residents for crisis intervention, assistance in decision making, life space counseling, fosters a holistic system approach to treatment, etc.
11. Delivers or assists in provision of independent living skills training.
12. Interacts in a manner consistent with NYSDSS Regulation #1441.19 Appropriate Custodial Conduct in order to be an appropriate role model.
13. Provides additional coverage on unit as needed in order to assure a proper staff ratio is maintained at all times.
14. Maintains unit recording procedures and completes other paperwork as required by agency, living unit, and NYSOCFS.
15. Interacts with and is available to families of youth, sets appropriate limits as determined by supervisor, agency and procedures.
16. Encourages academic achievement by supervising homework, being supportive, etc.
17. Assists in carrying out medical directives, treatment and instructions from Health Services.
18. Designs and facilitates daily unit groups.
19. Maintains Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification and First Aid/CPR Training as provided by Agency.
20. Attends all mandatory in‑service training, team meetings, and regularly attends and participates in supervision meetings. Attends other treatment‑oriented training, seminars and workshops as appropriate to broaden and strengthen child care skills.
21. All duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

SKILL, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education and/or Professional Qualifications/Skills

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• High School Diploma/GED
• One to two years related experience and/or training; or Equivalent combination of education and experience

Special – Personal Skills, Qualities, Aptitudes and Physical Requirements

New Directions Youth & Family Services, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform essential functions.

1. Ability to work and interact effectively with youth, families, staff and community contacts from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
2. Ability to accept supervision and perform as part of a team.
3. Ability to be flexible and adapt to change.
4. Ability to interface with people (groups and individuals) and communicate within various mediums (logbooks, E-mail, telephone).
5. Must have a valid driver’s license, adequate auto insurance and meet the criteria for driving set forth in the New Directions Driver’s License policy and Auto Insurance policy.
6. Ability to pass annual physical for Category 3 job classification in accordance with New Directions Employee Health policy.
7. Must comply with Agency safety standards and be responsible for own actions and conduct concerning safety and healthy working conditions.