Job Title : Overnight Youth Support Specialist – Full Time & On-Call
Department : Residential Services
Position Summary
The Overnight Youth Support Specialist is responsible for the supervision and oversight of sleeping youth (ages 12–18) and for responding to emergent situations. This position must remain awake and alert at all times. Responsibilities also include supervising the morning routine, including waking residents, assisting with breakfast, and preparing them for school. Team communication is a critical part of the role, ensuring smooth transitions and quality care for youth.
Department
New Directions Youth & Family Services’ Residential Services program provides safe, structured, and therapeutic living environments for youth. Staff work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to guide youth toward stability, growth, and long-term success.
Agency
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.
Benefits
New Directions offers a strong benefits package, including :
$250 bonus after 6 months of employment
120 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays
Medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
401k with up to 3% agency match
Consistent schedule for full-time employees; flexible schedule for on-call employees
Guaranteed raises for full-time positions
Opportunities for growth within a supportive organization where over 30% of staff have 10+ years of service
Compensation
$19.00 – $20.00 per hour (first year).
Hours / Schedule
Full-Time with consistent scheduling, 10 : 45p - 9 : 00a
On-Call with flexible scheduling available
Professional Development Opportunities
Staff receive training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), First Aid / CPR, and additional agency-provided certifications. Ongoing supervision, in-service training, and opportunities to grow within the organization are provided.
Position Specific Duties / Responsibilities
Remain awake and alert at all times during overnight shifts
Arrive 15 minutes early to prepare for responsibilities and transition
Perform rounds and bed checks every 30 minutes to ensure youth safety and wellbeing
Utilize Individual Crisis Management Plans (ICMP) and therapeutic interventions to support youth needs
Report disturbances or safety concerns to supervisors and maintain fire safety watch
Supervise morning routines, including wake-up, breakfast, cleanup, and school prep
Document daily logs, incidents, and communications with treatment team members before end of shift
Communicate with day staff, school staff, and relevant team members to ensure continuity of care
Participate in the development and implementation of treatment plans
Dispense and document medication as prescribed
Perform light cleaning and ensure suite / cottage is tidy, safe, and secure
Build positive, supportive relationships with youth, families, and staff
Maintain agency-provided certifications (TCI, First Aid / CPR)
Attend mandatory training, supervision, and staff meetings
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to build respectful, professional relationships with youth and families
Strong observation and communication skills (verbal, written, and documentation)
Flexibility and adaptability to respond to change and emergent situations
Ability to work as part of a team and accept supervision
Ability to maintain safety, security, and structure in a residential setting
Strong judgment and common-sense decision-making skills
Must meet agency driving and health requirements (see Qualifications below)
Qualifications
High School Diploma / GED (required)
Valid driver’s license for at least 1 year (required)
Previous childcare or youth work experience preferred
Degree in a related field preferred but not required
Ability to pass an annual physical per agency health policy (Category 3 classification)
Compliance with agency safety standards and safe work practices
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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.
Youth Support Specialist • Lockport, NY, United States