Associate Youth Development Specialist

*ONLY PERMANENT EMPLOYEES IN THE TITLE OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. *
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 55,000 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 100,000 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:

• Supports staffs’ appropriate use of a youth behavior management system to ensure its consistent application.
• Develops supervisory skills by attending youth care conferences and training.
• Oversees performance of personnel and area security protocols such as searches and inspections.
• Ensures each youth has an individualized safety plan with goals and is working towards those goals and supports staff as they advocate for youth and their families.
• Participates in interdisciplinary staff meetings and help staff develop group activities for youth.
• Acts as a court liaison or transportation coordinator in Court Services - confer with Judges, Court Clerks and Probation Officers regarding youth at Family Court.
• 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.
• Supervises, mentors and coaches staff on compliance with policy and procedures concerning health, safety, and security protocols.
• Supervises, mentors, coaches, and monitors the performance of Youth Development Specialists in all aspects of their work.
• Prepares requisitions, records and reports as required and supports staff development of programmatic and recreational activities for hall/living units.
• Supports 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.
• Monitors staff performance and conducts performance evaluations of subordinate staff.
• Guides staff in their work with youth gangs, and in anti-bullying and violence reduction efforts.
• Works as part of an interdisciplinary team; promotes a safe and nurturing environment for the residential units supervised.
• Helps schedule and deploy staff and manage coverage, assignments and time/leave.
• May perform the duties of a Youth Development Specialist, as needed.
• Helps plan, monitors and evaluates programs by ensuring staff assigned to living unit have all the equipment and supplies necessary to facilitate programs.
• Provides direct oversight to staff on school floors.
• Responds to calls for help with youth and crises in the facility.
• Supervises and coordinates youth meals and ensures staff are correctly posted in recreations yards while monitoring the interactions of different youth groups within the yards.

Please Note, selected candidates can be assigned to either facility in Group Services at:
Crossroads Juvenile Center 17 Bristol Street Brooklyn, NY 11212 or Horizon Juvenile Center 560 Brook Avenue Bronx, NY 10455.

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.

Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
As a current or prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Please review the notice to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply at nyc.gov/studentloans.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY USING ONE OF THE OPTIONS BELOW:
For current city employees, go to Employee Self Service (ESS), Recruiting Activities, Careers and search for Job ID#540255.
For all other applicants go to www.nyc.gov/careers and search for Job ID#540255. Click on the "Apply" button.
If you do not have access to a computer, most public libraries have computers available for use.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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.

Please Note, selected candidates can be assigned to either facility in Group Services at:
Crossroads Juvenile Center 17 Bristol Street Brooklyn, NY 11212 or Horizon Juvenile Center 560 Brook Avenue Bronx, NY 10455.

New York City Residency is not required for this position