Support Staff

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change for children, adults, and families, serving more than 72,000 individuals annually through 101 programs across 138 sites in New York City and Westchester. The organization is committed to diversity and reflects the communities it serves.

About the Role

The Program Support Staff will provide essential support across all Justice for Youth & Family (JYF) programs, including NSP, LSP, NSD, and Aftercare. Responsibilities include crisis intervention, youth transports, daily movement coordination, and ensuring the safety and security of facilities. The role works collaboratively with program teams to maintain a structured, responsive, and secure environment that supports youth engagement and positive outcomes, providing staffing coverage on an as‑needed basis.

Responsibilities

• Provide staffing coverage on an as‑needed basis to support programmatic needs.
• Actively assist in the supervision of youth in facilities, community settings, schools, and transports.
• Respond to crisis situations when observed or called for assistance.
• Establish and maintain appropriate, therapeutic relationships with residents.
• Develop an understanding of each resident’s strengths and needs and individualize interactions accordingly.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and model suitable interactions for childcare staff.
• Model and ensure proper use of Safe Crisis Management (SCM) techniques, including verbal de‑escalation, restraint procedures, and debriefing interviewing.
• Implement and model MYSI fully.
• Attend all required meetings and trainings and share new and updated information with staff when necessary.
• Ensure review and clear understanding of each youth’s behavioral support plan.
• Provide additional staffing and support in facilities as needed.
• Assist with other duties depending on situational needs (e.g., transporting youth, AWOL incidents, police custody retrievals, medical transports, community visits).
• Ensure proper documentation of events and timely communication with interdisciplinary team members regarding incidents.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and workshops as needed.
• Demonstrate organizational commitment by understanding and actively supporting the mission, policies, and procedures that protect the agency’s integrity.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma + 3 years of direct services in mental health or juvenile‑justice programming.
• Associate’s degree + 2 years of direct services in mental health or juvenile‑justice programming.
• Bachelor’s degree + 1 year of direct services in mental health or juvenile‑justice programming.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for required documentation.
• Commitment to a strength‑based, youth‑development, and trauma‑informed perspective.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Rising Ground.
• Ability to pass and annually recertify Safe Crisis Management (SCM) certification.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Ability to travel to other Rising Ground sites as required.

Work Environment

Staff should expect to work in a variety of dynamic environments, including schools, courtrooms, residential facilities, and during youth transports. The role requires flexibility, frequent travel, and the ability to remain professional and trauma‑informed in fast‑paced or emotionally charged settings.

Schedule

This is a full‑time position. Days and hours are varied based on departmental needs. Work‑hour options include 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, 3:30 pm – 11:30 pm, or 11:30 pm – 7:30 am.