Youth Development Specialist

Youth Development Specialist

The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services, and provides subsidized child care vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community. The Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) provides a wide range of services and programs for youth at every stage of the juvenile justice process. Our goals are to (a) build stronger and safer communities and advance public safety by preventing juveniles from entering the New York City's juvenile justice system, (b) provide therapeutic treatment and services to youth in our custodial care, and (c) help juveniles access the tools they need to leave the justice system for good. We strive to help families and young people by providing supportive services that are responsive to the needs of individual youth and families. DYFJ manages two secure detention facilities for youth in New York City, providing round-the clock care, supervision, and rehabilitation. Operating 24/7, the facility is responsible for the safety and well-being of detained minors, ensuring a secure environment while promoting positive behavioral development. Staff oversee daily activities, monitor behavior, and implement individualized treatment plans. The facility prioritizes security, education, mental health support, and restorative practices to address the needs of detained youth. Additionally, staff maintain compliance with state regulations and best practices for youth detention. Youth Development Specialists, under direct supervision during an assigned tour of duty will perform the following duties but not limited to:

• Facilitate, engage and support youth in all activities including school, wake-up and bedtime routines, meals, chores, recreation, religious services, court preparation, court attendance, family visits, healthcare visits and other activities as necessary.
• Facilitate youth learning of pro-social, academic and vocational skills.
• Mentor and guide youth individually and in groups while using a behavior management system to shape youth behavior.
• Facilitate youth group meetings in the residential unit.
• Address conflicts with crisis intervention methods such as verbal de-escalation, reframing strategies and physical de-escalation techniques using the least amount of physical intervention necessary.
• May serve as part of a rapid response team to respond to emergency situations.
• Work with youth to provide gang remediation activities and anti-bullying and violence reduction interventions.
• As part of an interdisciplinary team, develop individualized and group treatment, programming and safety plans and support for academic achievement.
• Follow all policies and procedures including health, safety, and security protocols such as those concerning searches, headcounts, bed checks, intervention in volatile situations, the use of restraints and others.
• Observe youth closely and record observations.
• Complete required reports on attendance, incidents and behavior observations.
• Participate in youth admission and orientation processes.
• Drive transport vehicles and ensure youth safety in vehicles and court detention rooms.