Youth Support Specialist

Title Youth Support Specialist Agency Children & Family Services, Office of Location Taberg Residential Center, 10011 Taberg Florence Road, Taberg, NY 13471, Oneida County Key Responsibilities Supervise court-placed youth aged 12‑20 who reside at OCFS secure, limited-secure, and/or non-secure residential facilities. Establish a relationship of professionalism, confidence, safety, and trust with youth and staff from diverse backgrounds. Actively participate as a member of a youth’s support team, a treatment-focused group that addresses emotional and behavioral needs. Be confident in engaging with people under physical and/or emotional stress. Employ graduated harm‑reduction strategies while supervising youth, including correcting unsafe behaviors and providing mentorship and self‑regulation skills. Seek opportunities to improve the well‑being of the facility community through collaboration and informed practice. Supervise and/or assist youth during recreation and education activities and fulfil 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 Requirements Attend a 2‑week Juvenile Justice Basic Training orientation and maintain proficiency in OCFS-approved physical skills and youth restraint techniques (offered twice a year). Complete NYS employee mandated annual trainings and other annual refreshers. Be prepared for intrastate travel to supervise youth at medical appointments, games, extracurricular activities, or other events. Accept that the position is physically demanding and may require the use of approved physical restraint techniques. Minimum Qualifications Two years full‑time direct care experience managing youth ages 6‑21. A Bachelor’s degree. An Associate’s degree AND six months of experience. A high school graduation or equivalency diploma AND one year of experience. A satisfactory equivalent combination of the above education and experience. Direct care experience with youth involved in the juvenile justice system, an institution, camp, school, community center, youth rehabilitation program, mental health or correctional institution, or residential center (required). Part‑time experience on a prorated basis may be accepted. Completion of the probation period and possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle legally in New York State. Physical/Medical Requirements Applicants will undergo a fitness test, a medical standards evaluation, and a substance‑abuse screening to ensure they can perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation. Background Investigation Requirements All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), including State and federal Criminal History Record Checks; convictions may bar appointment. All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) appointees, a check against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) will be conducted; those named on the SEL will be barred from appointment. Equal Opportunity Employer OCFS is an equal opportunity employer. We do 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. We are committed to dismantling racial injustice and encouraging applicants from marginalized communities and individuals with disabilities. Contact: View phone number on click.appcast.io | View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr Byrne Dairy