Youth Support Assistant

About the role

The positions exist in secure, limited secure and residential programs operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Anticipated vacancies are located throughout the state.

Responsibilities

• Maintain facility security.
• Key control.
• Perimeter inspections.
• Vehicle and visitor checks for contraband.
• Camera surveillance of facility.
• Monitor movement throughout the facility.

Key Duties

• Attend training in approved Office of Children and Family Services restraint techniques two times a year (four hours each).
• Additional duties will be discussed in detail during the interview.

Qualifications

• One year of full-time experience in the care and programming of youth from ages 6-21; OR
• Possession of a high school or equivalency diploma.

Minimum qualifications also include:

• Satisfactory completion of the probation period must include successful completion of the Basic Academy Training’s two-week training course.
• Possession of a valid New York State motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Able to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State.
• Participation in ongoing restraint training and other training, as required.

Additional Comments

Please specify in your cover letter and/or resume how you meet the minimum qualifications (as described above) when responding to this posting. For example, you should provide specific date ranges for qualifying experience, qualifying education or certifications, or the age range of individuals served. Non-specific submissions may be disqualified from further consideration if the information you provide does not meet the minimum qualifications.

Background Investigation Requirements

• All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks.
• All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee’s employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment.
• Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information and may be required to pay any necessary fees.

• All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR).
• Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.

• For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.
• Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS’s mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Application Instructions

Qualified candidates should e-mail their resume and letter of interest to eoajobpostings@ocfs.ny.gov. You MUST include the Vacancy number of the position in the subject line of your email and/or cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. In order to qualify you for the position when you have current or prior New York State employment, you may be contacted by OCFS Personnel for your social security number to confirm your employment history.