Therapeutic Youth Support Specialist

YAI supports people of all ages experiencing crises. Our programs look holistically at individuals, their families and circles of support, and available community resources to assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and co-occurring mental or behavioral health needs. By focusing on strengths instead of deficits, YAI equips people to develop and sustain positive relationships, limiting the need for emergency room visits and interactions with law enforcement so they can use their own strengths in meaningful ways.

Under the direction of the Program Supervisor, Therapeutic Youth Support Specialists provide person-centered, trauma-informed support to children in crisis within YAI's 24/7 OMH-licensed Children’s Crisis Residence. This role focuses on ensuring the safety and well-being of youth during short-term stays by maintaining a structured, supportive environment and assisting with stabilization efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of youth in a 24/7 therapeutic residential setting.
• Provides all services in accordance with agency philosophy and department practices and in compliance with Federal, State, Local and regulatory requirements, specifically NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) and escalates concerns or questions to supervisor.
• Provide trauma-informed, person-centered support in line with individual service/treatment plans.
• Support youth with daily living activities (ADLs), including personal care, meals, hygiene, and routines, as well as assisting with laundry and housekeeping.
• Facilitate skill-building, socialization, and recreational/educational activities.
• Utilize de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques to support youth in crisis.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and structured environment.
• Monitor behaviors, document services, and report incidents or concerns in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with clinical and interdisciplinary teams to support youth progress and stability.
• Transport/escort youth to school, appointments, and community activities as needed.
• Complete all required documentation, training, and compliance requirements.
• Complies with all Federal, State, Local and other relevant regulatory agency requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and cooperates with appropriate entities in any inspection, inquiry or investigation.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years old.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field -or-
• High School Diploma/GED and 2+ years of relevant experience (e.g. serving individuals with mental or behavioral health needs and/or individuals in crisis.) -or-
• Satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training.
• Experience working with youth and/or adults with behavioral or mental health needs preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and documentation skills.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise good judgment in crisis situations.
• Compassionate, patient, and committed to supporting youth in a therapeutic setting.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn documentation systems.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to assist with ADLs, including personal care (may involve exposure to bodily fluids.)
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergencies.
• Valid driver’s license may be required.
• Ability to meet essential physical demands of position including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms; use hands to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; assisting with lifting/moving individuals of any weight with assistance of mechanical lifts or other equipment and/or pushing individuals in wheelchairs; lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds on occasion; having the physical capacity to work with and implement emergency interventions as per the person’s Individual Service Plan if/as needed, including lifting/moving individuals of any weight with or without assistance of equipment and/or other staff, which may include running.

Why Join Us

At YAI, our vision is to help individuals live their fullest, most independent lives. If you’re someone who’s passionate about making a real difference and empowering others to thrive, this is the job for you!

Benefits of working with YAI:

• DailyPay - Work today, get paid today!
• Medical/Dental coverage for some part-time and all full-time positions
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid Vacation/Holidays and Sick Time
• 403(b) retirement with employer matching contribution
• Life Insurance
• Discounts on travel, entertainment, wireless services, shopping, and more!

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help create positive change in someone’s life!

YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.