Youth support specialist mental health / support

Job Title: Youth Support Specialist – Mental Health / Behavioral Support

Location: Lansing, NY

Shift: 5x8s (08:00–17:30) — Must be flexible to work Day, Evening, Night, Weekend & Holiday shifts as needed

Contract Length: 26 Weeks

Block Scheduling: Not Available

Position Overview

The Youth Support Specialist works directly with court-placed youth (ages 12–20) in secure and structured residential environments. The role focuses on creating a safe, stable, and therapeutic setting while promoting behavioral and emotional growth.

Qualifications (Multiple Pathways)

Candidates may qualify through any one of the following:

• 2 years full-time direct care experience with youth (ages 6–21), OR

• Bachelor’s Degree , OR

• Associate’s Degree + 6 months related experience, OR

• High School Diploma/GED + 1 year related experience, OR

• Equivalent combination of the above

Accepted direct care experience settings may include:

• Juvenile justice programs

• Mental health or behavioral treatment facilities

• Residential youth care programs

• Schools, camps, community youth centers

Resume strongly recommended.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and support youth to ensure physical safety and emotional well-being

• Maintain a professional, trauma-informed, and culturally aware approach

• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team care planning

• Support youth experiencing emotional or behavioral stress

• Utilize harm-reduction and de-escalation strategies , including physical intervention when appropriate (training provided)

• Assist with daily living routines, education support, recreation, and transitional life skills

• Build & maintain supportive communication with families when appropriate

• Take initiative to promote a positive and collaborative environment

Background Screening Requirements

All candidates must pass:

• State & Federal criminal background check (fingerprinting required)

• Child Abuse & Maltreatment Registry check

• Staff Exclusion List clearance

• Full accuracy in application disclosures is required

Physical & Training Requirements

• Must meet physical fitness and medical standards

• Must attend 2-week mandatory training

• Must learn and maintain approved crisis intervention & restraint techniques

• Ongoing annual training required

COVID-19 Guideline

• Vaccination required

• Medical exemptions only considered with appropriate documentation

For more details reach at [email protected] or Call / Text at 516-587-6677 .

About Navitas Healthcare, LLC: It is a certified WBENC and one of the fastest-growing healthcare staffing firms in the US providing Medical, Clinical and Non-Clinical services to numerous hospitals. We offer the most competitive pay for every position we cater. We understand this is a partnership. You will not be blindsided and your salary will be discussed upfront.