What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Support Specialist – Mental Health / Behavioral Support - YSS 25-32606 position at NavitsPartners?
Job Title: Youth Support Specialist – Mental Health / Behavioral Support
Location: Lansing, NY
Shift: 5x8s (08:00–17:30) — Must be flexible to work Day, Evening, Night, Weekend & Holiday shifts as needed
Contract Length: 26 Weeks
Block Scheduling: Not Available
Position Overview
The Youth Support Specialist works directly with court-placed youth (ages 12–20) in secure and structured residential environments. The role focuses on creating a safe, stable, and therapeutic setting while promoting behavioral and emotional growth.
Qualifications (Multiple Pathways)
Candidates may qualify through any one of the following:
2 years full-time direct care experience with youth (ages 6–21), OR
Bachelor’s Degree, OR
Associate’s Degree 6 months related experience, OR
High School Diploma/GED 1 year related experience, OR
Equivalent combination of the above
Accepted direct care experience settings may include:
Juvenile justice programs
Mental health or behavioral treatment facilities
Residential youth care programs
Schools, camps, community youth centers
Resume strongly recommended.
Key Responsibilities
Supervise and support youth to ensure physical safety and emotional well-being
Maintain a professional, trauma-informed, and culturally aware approach
Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team care planning
Support youth experiencing emotional or behavioral stress
Utilize harm-reduction and de-escalation strategies, including physical intervention when appropriate (training provided)
Assist with daily living routines, education support, recreation, and transitional life skills
Build & maintain supportive communication with families when appropriate
Take initiative to promote a positive and collaborative environment
Background Screening Requirements
All candidates must pass:
State & Federal criminal background check (fingerprinting required)
Child Abuse & Maltreatment Registry check
Staff Exclusion List clearance
Full accuracy in application disclosures is required
Physical & Training Requirements
Must meet physical fitness and medical standards
Must attend 2-week mandatory training
Must learn and maintain approved crisis intervention & restraint techniques
Ongoing annual training required
COVID-19 Guideline
Vaccination required
Medical exemptions only considered with appropriate documentation
For more details reach at Aditi.sharma@navitashealth.com or Call / Text at 516-587-6677.
About Navitas Healthcare, LLC: It is a certified WBENC and one of the fastest-growing healthcare staffing firms in the US providing Medical, Clinical and Non-Clinical services to numerous hospitals. We offer the most competitive pay for every position we cater. We understand this is a partnership. You will not be blindsided and your salary will be discussed upfront.
