Youth Support Specialist (Hourly)

Duties Description The Youth Support Specialist (YSS) works directly to supervise court-placed youth ages 12‑20 at OCFS secure, limited‑secure, and/or non‑secure residential facilities. YSSs are part of a team that ensures the facility is physically secure and emotionally safe for both youth and staff. They help create a professional, healthy, and therapeutic environment. 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 required by clinical needs. Actively participate as a member of a youth’s support team. Engage confidently with people under physical and/or emotional stress. Employ graduated harm reduction strategies while supervising youth, including corrective and intervention measures when unsafe behaviors arise. 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. Training Requirements Attend a 4‑week Juvenile Justice Basic Training orientation, complete annual NYS employee mandated trainings, and other annual training refreshers. The YSS position is physically demanding and may require the use of approved physical restraint techniques. Some intrastate travel may be required (e.g., supervision at youth medical appointments, intramural games, extracurricular activities, or other events). Prepare to act to ensure the health and safety of youth and staff. Additional Information Position available at all nine facilities operated by OCFS; vacancies throughout the state. Requires shift, weekend, holidays, and overtime assignments, including mandatory and voluntary overtime. Minimum Qualifications Two years full‑time direct care experience with youth ages 6‑21. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree; or an Associate’s degree and six months experience; or a high school diploma-equivalency and one year experience; or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience. Direct care experience with youth involved in the juvenile justice system or relevant institutions. Occupational experience may be accepted on a prorated basis. Satisfactory completion of the probation period requires possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and ability to operate a vehicle legally in New York State. Background Investigation Requirements Criminal Background Check (CBC) including state and federal criminal history record checks. Screening against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees, checking against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL). Physical/Medical Requirements Evaluation of physical and medical condition to ensure satisfactory performance of duties with or without reasonable accommodation. Tests include a fitness test, medical standards evaluation, and substance abuse screening. Drug Testing Prior to appointment, participation in a drug screening test is required and responsibility for the clinical laboratory fee. Equal Opportunity Employment 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 are committed to diversity and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr