NYS Office of Children and Family Services
Youth Support Specialist (Permanent)
NYS Office of Children and Family Services, Goshen, New York, United States
Youth Support Specialist (Permanent)
Office of Children and Family Services, New York State.
Pay Range $61,702.00 per year - $68,630.00 per year.
Job Summary The Youth Support Specialist (YSS) supervises court‑placed youth, ages 12–20, who reside at OCFS secure, limited‑secure, and/or non‑secure residential facilities. The YSS is part of a team that ensures the facility is physically secure and emotionally safe for both youth and staff, creating a professional, healthy, and therapeutic environment.
Responsibilities
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.
Actively participate as a member of a youth’s support team.
Engage people who may be under physical and/or emotional stress.
Employ graduated harm‑reduction strategies while supervising youth.
Take opportunities to improve the well‑being of the facility community by being collaborative and informed.
Supervise and/or assist youth during recreation and education activities and take on 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.
Be proficient in OCFS‑approved physical skills and youth restraint techniques (two times a year for eight hours total).
Complete NYS employee‑mandated annual trainings and other annual training refreshers.
Some intrastate travel may be required.
Position is physically demanding and may require use of approved physical restraint techniques.
Other Information
Position is at all nine OCFS facilities; vacancies throughout the state.
Requires shift, weekend, holiday, and overtime assignments, including mandatory and voluntary overtime.
Minimum Qualifications
Two years full‑time direct care experience with youth ages 6–21.
Or a Bachelor’s degree.
Or an Associate’s degree and six months experience.
Or a high‑school graduation or equivalency diploma and one year of experience.
Or a satisfactory equivalent combination of the above qualifications.
Direct care experience with youth in the juvenile justice system or related settings.
Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle legally in New York State upon satisfactory completion of the probation period.
Appropriate verifiable part‑time experience will be accepted on a prorated basis.
Background Investigation Requirements
Criminal Background Check (state and federal).
Fingerprinting and any required fees.
Screening against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.
For DJJOY employees, screening against the Staff Exclusion List.
Physical/Medical Requirements
Fitness test, medical standards evaluation, and substance abuse screening.
Drug Testing Prior to appointment, a drug screening test is required; the applicant is responsible for the clinical laboratory fee.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. 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. We respect diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
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Pay Range $61,702.00 per year - $68,630.00 per year.
Job Summary The Youth Support Specialist (YSS) supervises court‑placed youth, ages 12–20, who reside at OCFS secure, limited‑secure, and/or non‑secure residential facilities. The YSS is part of a team that ensures the facility is physically secure and emotionally safe for both youth and staff, creating a professional, healthy, and therapeutic environment.
Responsibilities
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.
Actively participate as a member of a youth’s support team.
Engage people who may be under physical and/or emotional stress.
Employ graduated harm‑reduction strategies while supervising youth.
Take opportunities to improve the well‑being of the facility community by being collaborative and informed.
Supervise and/or assist youth during recreation and education activities and take on 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.
Be proficient in OCFS‑approved physical skills and youth restraint techniques (two times a year for eight hours total).
Complete NYS employee‑mandated annual trainings and other annual training refreshers.
Some intrastate travel may be required.
Position is physically demanding and may require use of approved physical restraint techniques.
Other Information
Position is at all nine OCFS facilities; vacancies throughout the state.
Requires shift, weekend, holiday, and overtime assignments, including mandatory and voluntary overtime.
Minimum Qualifications
Two years full‑time direct care experience with youth ages 6–21.
Or a Bachelor’s degree.
Or an Associate’s degree and six months experience.
Or a high‑school graduation or equivalency diploma and one year of experience.
Or a satisfactory equivalent combination of the above qualifications.
Direct care experience with youth in the juvenile justice system or related settings.
Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle legally in New York State upon satisfactory completion of the probation period.
Appropriate verifiable part‑time experience will be accepted on a prorated basis.
Background Investigation Requirements
Criminal Background Check (state and federal).
Fingerprinting and any required fees.
Screening against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.
For DJJOY employees, screening against the Staff Exclusion List.
Physical/Medical Requirements
Fitness test, medical standards evaluation, and substance abuse screening.
Drug Testing Prior to appointment, a drug screening test is required; the applicant is responsible for the clinical laboratory fee.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. 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. We respect diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
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