Youth Support Specialist

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription: OPEN INTERVIEWS | SEPTEMBER 16 & 17 Interested in this position? Stop by our Hiring Event from 3–7 PM at 356 Main Street in Randolph for an on-site interview. No need to wait for a call. Come meet with us! Job Title: Youth Support Specialist Department: Residential Services Position Summary The Youth Support Specialist provides direct supervision, counseling, and support for young people ages 12–18 in a residential setting. This role is responsible for helping youth develop life skills, supporting their academic and social goals, and maintaining a trauma-informed environment that promotes self-regulation, safety, and growth. Youth Support Specialists play a vital part in fostering consistency, compassion, and guidance to help young people build the foundation for productive and fulfilling lives. Department New Directions Youth & Family Services’ Residential Services program provides 24/7 care for youth in need of consistency, safety, and support. Staff create therapeutic, trauma-informed environments that help young people learn, grow, and prepare for long-term success. Agency New Directions Youth & Family Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with. Benefits New Directions offers a competitive benefits package to support employees:Medical, dental, and life insurance401k with up to 3% agency match120 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidaysConsistent schedule for full-time employees; flexible scheduling available for on-call staff$250 bonus after 6 months of employmentOpportunities for professional development and advancementJoin a company where over 30% of staff have been with us for 10+ yearsCompensation $19.00 – $20.00 per hour in the first year, with guaranteed raises for full-time positions. Hours/Schedule Full-Time: Consistent scheduleOn-Call: Flexible scheduling optionsAll shifts are primarily afternoons/eveningsProfessional Development Opportunities Youth Support Specialists receive extensive training, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), First Aid/CPR, and ongoing in-service learning. Staff participate in supervision and professional development activities to maintain a high level of expertise and support in working with youth. Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities Supervise youth in care, ensuring their daily physical and emotional needs are metProvide individual and group support to help youth reach therapeutic and developmental goalsCreate and maintain a trauma-informed, therapeutic milieu that supports self-regulation and growthDispense prescribed medications under Nurse supervision and maintain Medication Administration CertificationProvide crisis intervention and utilize therapeutic strategies to manage acute emotional or behavioral challengesCommunicate observations and important information to the treatment team through logs, notes, and direct reportingDocument all incidents requiring intervention before the end of each shiftParticipate in treatment planning, discipline, and guidance to encourage positive habits and skillsSupport safe and healthy living conditions by supervising chores and maintaining living spacesSupervise morning wake-up, school preparation, and daily routinesPerform overnight security checks and rounds (when assigned), ensuring youth safetyMaintain continuous awareness of youth location, activities, and safety, including accurate head countsReport safety concerns or disturbances and maintain fire/security watch as neededAssist with life skills training, including personal care, clothing, laundry, and supply managementPrepare reports, participate in CSE or treatment team meetings, and collaborate with permanency planning staff as requiredAttend mandatory trainings, supervision, and additional professional development sessionsPerform other duties as assigned by the Youth Support Specialist SupervisorRequirements:Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with youthStrong judgment, problem-solving, and crisis-management skillsAbility to provide structure, consistency, and compassionate supportAbility to work effectively with youth, families, and staff from diverse backgroundsFlexible, adaptable, and able to function as part of a teamEffective communication skills across multiple mediums (logbooks, email, telephone)Ability to exercise professional judgment and common sense in challenging situationsQualifications High School Diploma or GED (required)Degree in Human Services or related field (preferred)Valid driver’s license (required)Experience in childcare or working with youth preferred but not requiredAbility to pass an annual physical per agency health policy (Category 3 classification)Compliance with agency safety standards and healthy work environment practicesCommitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable human service organization to apply.