Social Worker, Youth Development

Job Title:

Social Worker

Employment Type:

Contract

Work Hours:

40 hrs./week
Work site: 100% Onsite

Location:

Taberg-Florence Rd, Taberg, NY 13471
Job Duration: 7 Months
Closing: 11/14/2025.

Position Overview:

The Social Worker will work directly with court-placed youth (ages 12 20) residing in New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) secure, limited-secure, and/or non-secure residential facilities. This position plays an essential role in ensuring both the physical security and emotional safety of youth and staff while fostering a professional, therapeutic, and supportive environment.

Social Workers (Youth Support Specialists) are part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for maintaining a healthy, structured facility, supporting youth development, and assisting in their rehabilitation and transition toward positive community reintegration.

Job Duties:

• Establish and maintain professional, trusting, and safe relationships with youth and staff from diverse racial, cultural, religious, physical ability, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE), and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Supervise and monitor youth, including 1-to-1 supervision as needed, depending on individual clinical requirements.
• Actively participate as a member of each youth's support team to address emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs and goals.
• Utilize effective communication and de-escalation skills to engage with individuals under physical and/or emotional stress.
• Employ graduated harm reduction strategies by identifying and managing risks, providing mentorship, and helping youth build self-regulation and interpersonal skills.
• Supervise and assist youth during recreational, educational, and vocational activities.
• Maintain a collaborative approach to improve the well-being and safety of the facility community.
• Establish and maintain appropriate relationships with families and loved ones to support youth rehabilitation.
• Assist youth in achieving education, work readiness, and community transition objectives.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as needed to support facility operations.

• Two years of full-time direct care experience
  * in the care and programming of youth ages 6 21; OR
• Bachelor's degree; OR
• Associate's degree and six (6) months of direct care experience; OR
• High school diploma or equivalency and one (1) year of direct care experience; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong active listening and communication skills.
• Ability to manage stressful or emotionally charged situations calmly.
• Empathy, patience, and professionalism when working with youth and families.
• Commitment to teamwork, integrity, and consistent follow-through.
• Ability to foster a therapeutic and structured environment.

• Completion of a two-week Juvenile Justice Basic Training orientation.
• Proficiency in OCFS-approved physical skills and youth restraint techniques (training provided twice per year for 8 hours total).
• Compliance with all NYS-mandated annual trainings and refresher courses.

• Shifts:
  
  Day, Evening, and Night shifts available (specific schedules will be discussed during interviews).
• Work environment: 24/7 facility coverage is required during weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Parking:
  Free parking available onsite.
• Public Transportation:
  None in close proximity personal vehicle required.
• Typical supervision ratios: 1:8 during waking hours; 1:16 during sleeping hours.
• Interview Process:
  Onsite interviews preferred.

• Our outstanding healthcare coverage, including dental and vision, begins in just 30 days after you join us.
• We offer weekly payments via ACH (Automated Clearing House).
• Serving as Prime Vendors to New York State and New York City for over 10 years.