New Directions Youth and Family Services
Youth Support Specialist
New Directions Youth and Family Services, Lockport, New York, United States
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.
Base Pay Range $19.00/hr - $20.00/hr
Benefits
Medical, dental, and life insurance
401k with up to 3% agency match
120 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays
Consistent schedule for full‑time employees; flexible scheduling available for on‑call staff
$250 bonus after 6 months of employment
Opportunities for professional development and advancement
Join a company where over 30% of staff have been with us for 10+ years
Compensation $19.00 – $20.00 per hour in the first year, with guaranteed raises for full‑time positions.
Hours / Schedule
Full‑Time: Consistent schedule
On‑Call: Flexible scheduling options
Professional 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 met
Provide individual and group support to help youth reach therapeutic and developmental goals
Create and maintain a trauma‑informed, therapeutic milieu that supports self‑regulation and growth
Dispense prescribed medications under Nurse supervision and maintain Medication Administration Certification
Provide crisis intervention and utilize therapeutic strategies to manage acute emotional or behavioral challenges
Communicate observations and important information to the treatment team through logs, notes, and direct reporting
Document all incidents requiring intervention before the end of each shift
Participate in treatment planning, discipline, and guidance to encourage positive habits and skills
Support safe and healthy living conditions by supervising chores and maintaining living spaces
Supervise morning wake‑up, school preparation, and daily routines
Perform overnight security checks and rounds (when assigned), ensuring youth safety
Maintain continuous awareness of youth location, activities, and safety, including accurate head counts
Report safety concerns or disturbances and maintain fire/security watch as needed
Assist with life skills training, including personal care, clothing, laundry, and supply management
Prepare reports, participate in CSE or treatment team meetings, and collaborate with permanency planning staff as required
Attend mandatory trainings, supervision, and additional professional development sessions
Perform other duties as assigned by the Youth Support Specialist Supervisor
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with youth
Strong judgment, problem‑solving, and crisis‑management skills
Ability to provide structure, consistency, and compassionate support
Ability to work effectively with youth, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds
Flexible, adaptable, and able to function as part of a team
Effective communication skills across multiple mediums (logbooks, email, telephone)
Ability to exercise professional judgment and common sense in challenging situations
Qualifications
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 required
Ability to pass an annual physical per agency health policy (Category 3 classification)
Compliance with agency safety standards and healthy work environment practices
Commitment 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
Base Pay Range $19.00/hr - $20.00/hr
Benefits
Medical, dental, and life insurance
401k with up to 3% agency match
120 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays
Consistent schedule for full‑time employees; flexible scheduling available for on‑call staff
$250 bonus after 6 months of employment
Opportunities for professional development and advancement
Join a company where over 30% of staff have been with us for 10+ years
Compensation $19.00 – $20.00 per hour in the first year, with guaranteed raises for full‑time positions.
Hours / Schedule
Full‑Time: Consistent schedule
On‑Call: Flexible scheduling options
Professional 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 met
Provide individual and group support to help youth reach therapeutic and developmental goals
Create and maintain a trauma‑informed, therapeutic milieu that supports self‑regulation and growth
Dispense prescribed medications under Nurse supervision and maintain Medication Administration Certification
Provide crisis intervention and utilize therapeutic strategies to manage acute emotional or behavioral challenges
Communicate observations and important information to the treatment team through logs, notes, and direct reporting
Document all incidents requiring intervention before the end of each shift
Participate in treatment planning, discipline, and guidance to encourage positive habits and skills
Support safe and healthy living conditions by supervising chores and maintaining living spaces
Supervise morning wake‑up, school preparation, and daily routines
Perform overnight security checks and rounds (when assigned), ensuring youth safety
Maintain continuous awareness of youth location, activities, and safety, including accurate head counts
Report safety concerns or disturbances and maintain fire/security watch as needed
Assist with life skills training, including personal care, clothing, laundry, and supply management
Prepare reports, participate in CSE or treatment team meetings, and collaborate with permanency planning staff as required
Attend mandatory trainings, supervision, and additional professional development sessions
Perform other duties as assigned by the Youth Support Specialist Supervisor
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with youth
Strong judgment, problem‑solving, and crisis‑management skills
Ability to provide structure, consistency, and compassionate support
Ability to work effectively with youth, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds
Flexible, adaptable, and able to function as part of a team
Effective communication skills across multiple mediums (logbooks, email, telephone)
Ability to exercise professional judgment and common sense in challenging situations
Qualifications
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 required
Ability to pass an annual physical per agency health policy (Category 3 classification)
Compliance with agency safety standards and healthy work environment practices
Commitment 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr