Associate Youth Development Specialist

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of New York City’s children and families by providing child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care services.

In child welfare, ACS contracts with private nonprofit organizations to support and stabilize families at risk of a crisis through preventive services and provides foster care services for children not able to safely remain at home.

Each year, the agency’s Division of Child Protection conducts more than 55, investigations of suspected child abuse or neglect.

In juvenile justice, ACS manages and funds services including detention and placement, intensive community-based alternatives for youth, and support services for families.

In early care, ACS coordinates and funds programs and vouchers for close to , children eligible for subsidized care.

The New York City Administration for Children’s Services is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Associate Youth Development Specialist Level I.

This position is an integral part of an interdisciplinary team responsible for the custody, direct care, supervision, counseling, and accountability of youths in the custody of the Administration for Children’s Services in juvenile detention facilities.

Under general supervision, with latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative, Associate Youth Development Specialist Level I duties include, but are not limited to the following :

• Supervise, mentor, coach, and monitor the performance of Youth Development Specialists in all aspects of their work.
• Guide staff in their work with youth gangs and in anti-bullying and violence reduction efforts.
• Support staffs’ appropriate use of a youth behavior management system to ensure its consistent application.
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team; promote a safe and nurturing environment for the residential units supervised.
• Participate in interdisciplinary staff meetings and help staff develop group activities for youth.
• Ensure each youth has an individualized safety plan with goals and is working towards those goals and support staff as they advocate for youth and their families.
• Respond to calls for help with youth and crises in the facility.
• Help plan, monitor and evaluate programs by ensuring staff assigned to living unit have all the equipment and supplies necessary to facilitate program.
• Supervise, mentor and coach staff on compliance with policy and procedures concerning health, safety, and security protocols.
• Oversee performance of personal and area security protocols such as searches and inspections.
• Monitor staff performance and conduct performance evaluations of subordinate staff.
• Support staff in managing youth conflict using crisis intervention methods such as verbal de-escalation, reframing strategies and physical restraint techniques, using the least amount of physical intervention necessary;

debrief staff and youth after all incidents, including those requiring restraints.

• Help schedule and deploy staff and manage coverage, assignments and time / leave.
• Supervise and coordinate youth meals and ensure staff are correctly posted in recreations yards while monitoring the interactions of different youth groups within the yards.
• Prepare requisitions, records and reports as required and support staff development of programmatic and recreational activities for hall / living units.
• Develop supervisory skills by attending youth care conferences and training.
• Provide direct oversight to staff on school floors.
• Act as a court liaison or transportation coordinator in Court Services.
• Confer with Judges, Court Clerks and Probation Officers regarding youth at Family Court.
• May perform the duties of a Youth Development Specialist, as needed.
• May be required to assume the role of the Tour Commander and or perform the duties of the supervisor in that person’s temporary absence.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State’s department of education or a recognized accrediting organization, and three years of full-time satisfactory experience working directly with juveniles or young adults (ages 10-24) in a group, community, educational, or institutional setting or program performing recreational, juvenile detention, vocational, mentoring, or anti-violence work;

or youth leadership development, young adult leadership development, youth and family health promotion, community organizing with youth and families, and / or closely related activities, which can include internships, volunteer work, athletic programs, or closely related experience; or

2. An associate degree from an accredited college or completion of 60 semester credits of study at an accredited college including or supplemented by two years and three months of full-time satisfactory experience as described in 1 above; or

3. An associate degree from an accredited college or completion of 60 semester credits of study at an accredited college, including or supplemented by 12 semester credits in social work, counseling, education, recreation, criminal justice, psychology, biology, sociology, human services or a closely related field;

and one year and nine months of full-time satisfactory experience as described in 1 above; or

4. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college including or supplemented by one year and six months of full-time satisfactory experience as described in 1 above; or

5. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college including or supplemented by 12 semester credits in social work, counseling, education, recreation, criminal justice, psychology, biology, sociology, human services or a closely related field and one year of full-time satisfactory experience as described in 1 above; or

6. A satisfactory combination of education and / or experience equivalent to 1 , 2 , or 3 above :

• a. Honorable full-time United States military service commanding young adults (up to age 24) may be substituted for experience as described in 1 above, on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two years of military service for two years of experience;
• b. Academic coursework in social work, counseling, education, recreation, criminal justice, psychology, biology, sociology, human services or a closely related field may be substituted for experience as described in 1 above, at the rate of 12 semester credits from an accredited college for 6 months of experience;
• c. General undergraduate education may be substituted for experience as described in 1 above, at the rate of 60 semester credits from an accredited college for 9 months of experience;

However, all candidates must possess a four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and at least one year of full-time satisfactory experience as described in 1 above .

For Assignment to Assignment Level II

In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level II, candidates must have at least one year of experience as an Associate Youth Development Specialist - Assignment Level I.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position