Youth Support Specialist

Job Title: Youth Support Specialist
Department: Residential Services

The Youth Support Specialist provides direct supervision, counseling, and support for young people ages 12–18 in a residential setting. This role is responsible for helping youth develop life skills, supporting their academic and social goals, and maintaining a trauma-informed environment that promotes self-regulation, safety, and growth. Youth Support Specialists play a vital part in fostering consistency, compassion, and guidance to help young people build the foundation for productive and fulfilling lives.

New Directions Youth & Family Services’ Residential Services program provides 24/7 care for youth in need of consistency, safety, and support. Staff create therapeutic, trauma-informed environments that help young people learn, grow, and prepare for long-term success.

New Directions Youth & Family Services 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.

New Directions offers a competitive benefits package to support employees:

• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• 401k with up to 3% agency match
• 120 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays
• Consistent schedule for full-time employees; flexible scheduling available for on-call staff
• $250 bonus after 6 months of employment
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Join a company where over 30% of staff have been with us for 10+ years

$19.00 – $20.00 per hour in the first year, with guaranteed raises for full-time positions.

Youth Support Specialists receive extensive training, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), First Aid/CPR, and ongoing in-service learning. Staff participate in supervision and professional development activities to maintain a high level of expertise and support in working with youth.

• Supervise youth in care, ensuring their daily physical and emotional needs are met
• Provide individual and group support to help youth reach therapeutic and developmental goals
• Create and maintain a trauma-informed, therapeutic milieu that supports self-regulation and growth
• Dispense prescribed medications under Nurse supervision and maintain Medication Administration Certification
• Provide crisis intervention and utilize therapeutic strategies to manage acute emotional or behavioral challenges
• Communicate observations and important information to the treatment team through logs, notes, and direct reporting
• Document all incidents requiring intervention before the end of each shift
• Participate in treatment planning, discipline, and guidance to encourage positive habits and skills
• Support safe and healthy living conditions by supervising chores and maintaining living spaces
• Supervise morning wake-up, school preparation, and daily routines
• Perform overnight security checks and rounds (when assigned), ensuring youth safety
• Maintain continuous awareness of youth location, activities, and safety, including accurate head counts
• Report safety concerns or disturbances and maintain fire/security watch as needed
• Assist with life skills training, including personal care, clothing, laundry, and supply management
• Prepare reports, participate in CSE or treatment team meetings, and collaborate with permanency planning staff as required
• Attend mandatory trainings, supervision, and additional professional development sessions
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Youth Support Specialist Supervisor

• Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with youth
• Strong judgment, problem-solving, and crisis-management skills
• Ability to provide structure, consistency, and compassionate support
• Ability to work effectively with youth, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to…