Youth Support Specialist (Hourly)

Position Title: Youth Support Specialist (Hourly) Agency: Children & Family Services, Office of Employment Type: Full‑Time (Temporary) Salary: $29.55 per hour Pay Grade: NS Location: Taberg Residential Center, 10011 Taberg Florence Road, Taberg, NY 13471 Workweek: Variable – 40 hours per week, 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM (no flextime, mandatory overtime yes, no compressed week, telecommuting not allowed) Responsibilities Establish a relationship of professionalism, confidence, safety, and trust with youth and other staff, respecting diverse backgrounds. Supervise and monitor youth, including 1‑to‑1 supervision for those with clinical needs. Participate as an active member of the youth’s support team, a collaborative group of professionals who address emotional and behavioral needs. Engage confidently with individuals who may be under physical or emotional stress. Apply graduated harm‑reduction strategies while supervising youth, intervening when necessary to prevent unsafe behaviors towards self or others. Collaborate to improve the well‑being of the facility community, staying informed and proactive. Supervise or assist youth during recreation and education activities, taking on additional assignments as needed. Maintain positive, professional relationships with youths’ families and loved ones. Assist youth in reaching education, work readiness, and community transition goals. Training Requirements Attend a two‑week Juvenile Justice Basic Training orientation. Proficiency in OCFS‑approved physical skills and youth restraint techniques (happening twice a year, eight hours total). Complete NYS employee‑mandated annual trainings and other refresher trainings as required. Other Information Partial intrastate travel may be required (e.g., youth medical appointments, intramural games, extracurricular activities). The position is physically demanding; candidates must be prepared to use approved physical restraint techniques if necessary. Shift work, including weekends, holidays, and overtime (mandatory and voluntary) is required. Additional duties will be discussed during the interview. Minimum Qualifications Two years of full‑time experience in the care and programming of youth ages 6–21. Or a high school diploma or equivalency plus one year of full‑time experience. Or an associate’s degree plus six months of full‑time experience. Or a bachelor’s degree. Must meet physical/medical standards; possess a valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle legally in New York State. Background Investigation Requirements All prospective employees will undergo a Criminal Background Check (CBC) – state and federal – including fingerprinting. Eligibility will be evaluated against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). DJJOY prospective appointees will be screened against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect. Additional Comments Applicants should specify in your cover letter and/or resume how you meet the minimum qualifications, including specific date ranges for experience, education, and certifications. Non‑specific submissions may be disqualified. All youth in OCFS facilities are considered ‘vulnerable persons’ and are protected by the NYS Justice Center, which safeguards against abuse and neglect. Civil Service Employees Association, Inc (CSEA) represents the YSS position. The position is subject to CSEA‑OCFS agreements, rules, and opportunities. EEO Statement The Office of Children and Family Services is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. 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, or any other legally protected characteristic. All applicants are encouraged to apply and may self‑identify during the application process. Apply Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io | Fax: View phone number on click.appcast.io | Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Qualified candidates should email their resume and letter of interest to View email address on click.appcast.io. Include the vacancy number in the subject line. Candidates with current or prior New York State employment may be contacted for a social‑security number to confirm employment history. Address Office: Bureau of Personnel – TAC, 52 Washington Street, 231 North, Rensselaer, NY 12144 #J-18808-Ljbffr Byrne Dairy