Youth Support Specialist

Responsibilities

• Establish a relationship of professionalism, confidence, safety, and trust with youth and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Supervise and monitor youth, including 1‑to‑1 supervision when needed based on clinical assessment.
• Act as a member of a youth’s support team, collaborating with professional and para‑professional staff to address emotional and behavioral needs.
• Engage confidently with individuals under physical or emotional stress.
• Use graduated harm reduction strategies while supervising, including correcting or intervening when a youth displays unsafe behaviors toward themselves, other youth, or staff.
• Collaborate and remain informed to improve the well‑being of the facility community.
• Supervise and assist youth during recreation and education activities and take on various as‑needed assignments.
• Maintain positive, professional relationships with youths’ families and loved ones.
• Assist youth in achieving education, work readiness, and community transition goals.

Attend a 2‑week Juvenile Justice Basic Training orientation, be proficient in OCFS‑approved physical skills and youth restraint techniques (twice annually for eight hours total), complete NYS employee mandated annual trainings, and other annual refreshers.

• Some intrastate travel may be required (e.g., supervision at youth medical appointments, intramural games, extracurricular activities).
• The position is physically demanding; candidates must be prepared to use approved physical restraint techniques when necessary.

Additional duties will be discussed in detail during the interview.

• The position is active at all nine OCFS facilities; vacancies are throughout the state.
• Shift, weekend, holiday, and overtime assignments, including mandatory and voluntary overtime, are required.

• 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 high‑school graduation plus one year experience; OR a satisfactory equivalent combination.
• Experience with youth involved in the juvenile justice system or in an institution, camp, school, community center, youth rehabilitation program, mental health or correctional institution, or residential center.

Appropriate part‑time experience will be accepted on a prorated basis.

A valid motor vehicle operator’s license and ability to operate a vehicle legally in New York State is required before the satisfactory completion of the probation period.

• All prospective employees undergo a Criminal Background Check, including state and federal records. Convictions, falsified or omitted information may bar appointment or result in removal.
• Screening against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment and the Staff Exclusion List (for DJJOY appointees) is required.

The candidate’s physical and medical condition will be evaluated to ensure they can satisfactorily perform duties, including a fitness test, medical standards evaluation, and substance abuse screening.

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal‑opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability, genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or status as a victim of domestic violence. OCFS is committed to dismantling racial injustice and encourages applicants from marginalized communities.

All applicants must be dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that affirms and celebrates diverse backgrounds and identities.