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New Directions Youth and Family Services

Youth Support Specialist

New Directions Youth and Family Services, South Randolph, Wisconsin, United States

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Join New Directions Youth and Family Services as a Youth Support Specialist, a role focused on caring for and guiding young people who need consistent, compassionate support and trauma‑informed care.

Pay Range Base pay: $19.00–$20.00 per hour. Additional incentives include a $250 bonus after six months and guaranteed raises for full‑time employees.

Compensation Base pay $19.00–$20.00 per hour. Compensation also includes benefits such as life, dental, and medical insurance, a 401(k) with up to a 3% agency match, paid time off, and holidays.

Benefits

120 hours paid time off in first year, plus 13 agency holidays.

Life, dental, and medical insurance.

401(k) with up to 3% agency matching.

Consistent schedule for full‑time employees; flexible schedule for on‑call staff.

Over 30% of staff have 10+ years tenure.

Hours and Schedule

Full‑time and on‑call positions available.

Consistent schedules for full‑time staff.

Flexible schedules for on‑call staff.

Professional Development Opportunities

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training.

First Aid/CPR certification provided by the agency.

Ongoing in‑service trainings, supervision, and career growth opportunities.

Position Specific Duties / Responsibilities

Supervise youth and meet their daily physical and emotional needs.

Dispense prescribed medications under nurse supervision; maintain accurate records.

Create and maintain a trauma‑informed environment to support youth self‑regulation and goal setting.

Provide therapeutic crisis intervention and use sensory items for de‑escalation.

Communicate observations to treatment team members and maintain documentation/logs.

Participate in treatment planning, discipline administration, and habit‑building support.

Maintain safe and healthy living conditions, including supervision of chores and household upkeep.

Conduct overnight security checks (Detex Clock or logs depending on location).

Report disturbances and maintain fire/security watch when on duty.

Supervise morning routines and school preparation.

Assist with life skills, clothing, supplies, and household responsibilities.

Maintain accurate head counts of youth at all times.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Build respectful, supportive relationships with youth and guide their development.

Knowledge of trauma‑informed care and therapeutic crisis intervention.

Manage unit/cottage effectively and collaborate on treatment plans.

Strong communication skills across logs, email, phone, and team meetings.

Work effectively with diverse youth, families, and staff.

Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

Sound professional judgment and problem‑solving skills.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED (required).

Valid driver’s license and adequate auto insurance (required).

Degree preferred.

Previous childcare experience preferred.

Must maintain a valid driver’s license and meet agency driving policy standards.

Pass annual physical for Category 3 job classification.

Compliance with all agency safety standards and health policies.

Preferred qualifications are not required; we are committed to helping new employees develop these skills. We encourage those passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization to apply.

Seniority Level Entry level

Employment Type Full‑time

Job Function Other

Industries Individual and Family Services

Location: Cattaraugus County, NY

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