Program Counselor

Program Counselor

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare, juvenile justice services, and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services, provides subsidized child care vouchers, and responds to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement, and programs for youth in the community.

The Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) provides a wide range of services and programs for youth at every stage of the juvenile justice process, aiming to build stronger and safer communities, prevent juveniles from entering the system, provide therapeutic treatment to youth in custodial care, and help juveniles access tools to leave the justice system for good. DYFJ offers supportive services responsive to individual youth and families.

Juvenile Justice Program Services (JJPS) ensures that youth served by DYFJ receive comprehensive medical, mental health, case management, social and educational services, including mental health services, training on LGBTQ issues, substance abuse, trauma, and parental support.

• Work closely with Youth Development Specialists, contracted providers, and DOE to develop and implement cultural, educational and recreational programming for all Secure Detention youth throughout the year.
• Work directly with youth to develop and implement programs and activities promoting teamwork, leadership, problem solving and critical thinking.
• Build self‑confidence in youth and contribute to violence reduction through activities and relationship‑building.
• Encourage healthy lifestyles for youth through sports, exercise and nutrition.
• Support facilities and contracted providers in implementing special projects, workshops, or events.
• Assess internal and external programs by observation, survey administration and other evaluation methods, providing feedback and recommendations for improvement.
• Act as liaison with DYFJ’s contracted programs and contract management unit to ensure vendor clearance submission, tracking, and compliance.
• Develop monthly provider meetings and progress reports and annual vendor performance evaluation.
• Rapidly develop new programming modules and assist in training other staff and contracted providers.

• A baccalaureate degree and two years of community work experience related to duties.
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of community work experience related to duties.
• Equivalent education and experience, with at least one year of experience as described above.

This position has been reposted; previous applicants do not need to reapply.

Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires the agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child‑caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. City Employees who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. Discuss the requirement with an agency representative at the time of interview.

As a prospective employee, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance. For more information, visit .

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on any legally protected status.

Salary: $62,868.00 – $72,298.00. Position is full‑time and entry level.

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