Youth support specialist mental health support

Job Title: Youth Support Specialist (Mental Health & Behavioral Support)

Location: Highland, NY 12528

Contract Duration: 26 Weeks

Schedule: Day Shift | 5x8-Hour Shifts (08:00 AM – 5:30 PM)

Block Scheduling: Not Available

COVID-19 Requirement: Vaccination Required (Medical Exemptions Only)

Position Overview

This role involves working directly with court-placed youth ages 12–20 in a secure or semi-secure residential setting. The Youth Support Specialist (YSS) helps maintain a safe and supportive environment, provides supervision, participates in treatment planning, and contributes to the emotional and behavioral support of residents. The goal is to foster stability, personal growth, and positive transition outcomes.

This position requires flexibility, emotional resilience, professionalism, and the ability to engage safely and effectively with at-risk youth.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain professional, safe, and trusting relationships with youth and staff from diverse backgrounds.

• Provide direct supervision of youth; may require one-on-one support depending on individual needs.

• Participate actively as part of an interdisciplinary support team focused on treatment and behavioral goals.

• Safely de-escalate and intervene during crisis situations using approved harm-reduction strategies.

• Monitor and manage daily routines, movement, safety protocols, and conflict resolution within the facility.

• Support youth in recreation, education, and daily living activities.

• Assist youth with skill-building, self-regulation strategies, and goal achievement in education and community reintegration.

• Communicate appropriately with families and support networks.

• Collaborate with staff to maintain a therapeutic and positive living environment.

Qualifications (One of the Following is Required)

• Two years of full-time direct care experience working with youth (ages 6–21) in residential, mental health, juvenile justice, community, school, or related settings;
  
  OR

• Bachelor’s degree;
  
  OR

• Associate’s degree + at least 6 months relevant experience;
  
  OR

• High School Diploma/GED + 1 year relevant experience;
  
  OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Relevant experience includes work in youth rehabilitation, behavioral health, group home, detention center, residential treatment, or similar programs.

Background & Compliance Requirements

Candidates must successfully complete:

• State & Federal Criminal Background Check (fingerprinting required; fees may apply)

• Child Abuse & Maltreatment Registry Check (fees may apply)

• Staff Exclusion List Screening

Any confirmed history of abuse, neglect, or relevant criminal convictions may disqualify candidate.

Physical & Training Requirements

• Must pass medical and physical fitness evaluations, including substance screening.

• Must complete a required 2-week orientation and annual refresher training.

• Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, holidays, or other shifts as needed.

For more details reach at [email protected] or Call / Text at 732 791 4807 - EXT 4807 .

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.