Youth Support Specialist - New Directions Youth and Family Services : Job Details

Job Title: Youth Support Specialist

Department: Residential Services

Title of Immediate Supervisor: Youth Support Specialist Supervisor

Position Summary

We are looking for applicants who understand that making better life choices can be a slow and challenging process. Our ideal applicant will have the strength to say no when needed, while also knowing the importance of having a shoulder to cry on. Do you want a job that allows you to make a meaningful difference? Do you thrive in environments that require your full attention and real-time creative solutions? If so, please consider joining our team as a Youth Support Specialist. This position works with young people who need consistency, compassion, and guidance as they build the skills to live productive and fulfilling lives.

The Youth Support Specialist is responsible for creating and maintaining a trauma-informed environment, supervising youth ages 12–18, assisting with daily living, providing counseling and support, and ensuring the safety and welfare of youth in care, all within the framework of NDYFS Normative Culture.

Agency

New Directions 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.

Compensation

$19.04 – $20.00 per hour, plus great benefits (see below).

• $250 bonus after 6 months

• Additional raises guaranteed for full-time positions

  Benefits

• 120 hours of paid time off your first year, plus 13 agency holidays

• Access to life, dental, and medical insurance

• 401k with up to 3% agency matching

• Consistent schedule for full-time employees; flexible schedule for on-call staff

• Join our company where over 30% of our staff have been with us for 10 years or more

  Hours/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 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 goals

• 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

• Ability to build respectful, supportive relationships with youth and guide their development

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and therapeutic crisis intervention

• Ability to manage unit/cottage effectively and collaborate on treatment plans

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

• Ability to 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/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.

• Ability to pass annual physical for Category 3 job classification

• Compliance with all agency safety standards and health policies

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.