Youth Support Specialist (Mental Health / Social Services) - YSS 25-32609

Job Title: Youth Support Specialist (Mental Health / Social Services)
Location: Claverack, NY 12513
Shift: Days | 5x8-Hour (08:00 AM – 5:30 PM)
Duration: 26 Weeks
Block Scheduling: Not Available

Position Overview

The Youth Support Specialist will work directly with court-placed youth (ages 12–20) residing in secure, limited-secure, and non-secure residential environments. The role focuses on maintaining a safe, supportive environment while fostering positive behavioral, emotional, and interpersonal development. This position is part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for ensuring both physical security and emotional well-being of residents and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain professional, supportive, and trusting relationships with youth and staff from diverse backgrounds and identities.

• Supervise and monitor youth, including potential 1:1 supervision depending on clinical or behavioral needs.

• Participate as an active member of each youth’s support/treatment team.

• Manage and de-escalate situations involving youth experiencing emotional or physical stress.

• Utilize harm-reduction strategies, including verbal and physical intervention when necessary to maintain safety.

• Serve as a positive role model and mentor, encouraging self-regulation and constructive interpersonal skills.

• Supervise and assist during recreational, educational, and daily living activities.

• Maintain respectful and appropriate communication with families and support networks.

• Assist youth in achieving education, vocational goals, and transition planning.

• Collaborate with team members to maintain an informed, safe, and therapeutic environment.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following pathways:

• Two years of full-time experience providing direct care/programming for youth ages 6–21; OR

• Bachelor’s degree; OR

• Associate’s degree + six months of qualifying experience; OR

• High school diploma/GED + one year of qualifying experience; OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifying Experience Includes:  Work in juvenile justice, youth residential care, camps, schools, community centers, mental health programs, rehabilitation, or similar youth-focused environments.

Background & Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check (State & Federal) with fingerprinting (fees may apply).

• Screening through the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse & Maltreatment (fees may apply).

• Staff Exclusion List (SEL) clearance.

• Must meet physical and medical requirements, including:

  • Fitness assessment

  • Medical evaluation

  • Substance abuse screening

Training Requirements

• Completion of a 2-week Juvenile Justice Basic Training program.

• Participation in physical restraint skills and safety intervention training (8 hours, twice annually).

• Required ongoing annual trainings as mandated by New York State.

Work Schedule Expectations

• Must be available for rotating shifts (day/evening/night), weekends, holidays, and mandatory/voluntary overtime.

• Standard schedule is 40 hours per week.

Vaccination Requirement

• COVID-19 vaccine required. Medical exemptions accepted .

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.