Youth Support Specialist (Permanent)

Responsibilities

• Establish a relationship of professionalism, confidence, safety, and trust with youth and staff from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, physical‑ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socio‑economic backgrounds.
• Supervise and monitor youth (age 12‑20), including one‑to‑one supervision when clinical needs require it.
• Actively participate as a member of each youth’s support team, a treatment‑focused group of professional and paraprofessional staff.
• Engage confidently with individuals who may be under physical or emotional stress.
• Employ graduated harm‑reduction strategies while supervising youth, including verbal or physical intervention when unsafe behaviors occur.
• Recognize personal or situational flags that could lead to conflict or harm, provide positive mentorship, and help youth develop interpersonal and self‑regulation skills.
• Collaborate to improve the well‑being of the facility community.
• Supervise and/or assist youth during recreation and education activities and take on various as‑needed assignments.
• Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with youths’ families and loved ones.
• Assist youth in achieving education, work‑readiness, and community‑transition goals.

Training

• Attend a two‑week Juvenile Justice Basic Training orientation.
• Maintain proficiency in OCFS‑approved physical skills and youth restraint techniques (provided twice a year, eight hours total).
• Complete NYS‑mandated annual trainings and other annual refresher courses.
• Travel within the state as needed for youth medical appointments, intramural games, extracurricular activities, or other events.

Qualifications

• Two years full‑time direct‑care experience with youth ages 6‑21, or a Bachelor’s degree, or an Associate’s degree plus six months experience, or a high school diploma/GED plus one year experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Direct‑care experience with youth involved in the juvenile justice system or in institutions such as camps, schools, community centers, rehabilitation programs, mental‑health or correctional facilities, or residential centers.
• Part‑time experience may be accepted on a prorated basis.
• Successful completion of the probation period, possession of a valid New York State driver’s license, and ability to operate a motor vehicle legally in NY.

Physical Requirements

The position is physically demanding. Candidates must be prepared to act to ensure the health and safety of youth and staff, which may include the use of approved physical restraint techniques. Physical and medical condition will be evaluated through a fitness test, medical standards evaluation, and substance‑abuse screening, with reasonable accommodations considered as required.

Background Check

All prospective employees undergo a Criminal Background Check (state and federal), fingerprinting, and screening against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. Applicants for the Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth will also be checked against the Staff Exclusion List. Convictions, falsified information, or failure to pay required fees may bar appointment.

Schedule

The role requires shift work, including weekends, holidays, and both mandatory and voluntary overtime. Vacancies exist at all nine OCFS facilities throughout the state.

Additional Information

Some intrastate travel may be required for supervision at youth medical appointments, intramural games, extracurricular activities, or other events. The position is represented by the Civil Service Employees Association, Inc. (CSEA) and is subject to all applicable CSEA‑OCFS agreements, rules, and opportunities.