Family Specialist

Together for Youth • Albany, NY

2d • $23 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

The Non-Secure Detention Family Specialist helps youth grow, learn, and overcome challenges through counseling, mentorship, and structured case management. The role provides individual support to youth in detention, coordinates with families and other stakeholders, and contributes to a safe, structured, and supportive facility environment.

The position is based at the Capital Region Office in Albany, New York. For eligible employees working at the Canaan campus ahead of the planned relocation to Glenmont, the employer offers paid travel time for up to two hours of commuting per workday, a $500 monthly incentive, and mileage reimbursement for additional distance traveled when the Canaan commute exceeds the distance to Glenmont.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in human services or a related field and two years of case manager experience, including experience working with youth in juvenile detention centers, group homes, youth shelters, youth diversion programs, or a comparable discipline involving youth and families. A master's degree with one year of experience working with youth or children is preferred. Therapeutic Crisis Intervention certification and First Aid/CPR training must be completed following hire as part of on-the-job training.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field.
• Two years of case manager experience.
• Experience working with youth in juvenile detention centers, group homes, youth shelters, youth diversion programs, or a comparable discipline involving work with youth and families.
• Complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention certification and First Aid/CPR training following hire as part of on-the-job training.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
• Ability to work with an economically and culturally diverse population.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree with one year of experience working with youth or children.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management services, including initial screenings and assessments for youth admitted to the facility.
• Provide individual counseling and help youth address challenges that led to detention.
• Facilitate communication among youth, their families, and stakeholders such as DSS workers, probation officers, and law guardians.
• Consult with program staff on mental health screenings, risk assessments, and crisis management support.
• Assist the NSD Coordinator with facility operations and help maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment in the coordinator's absence.
• Collect and maintain information from youth files, court reports, admission intake packets, assessments, case notes, and other sources to support appropriate services.
• Prepare required court documentation, including summaries and reports regarding youth in care.
• Assist staff with supervision and counseling of youth.
• Coordinate family contact and visitation.
• Store and file records.
• Complete data entry in systems such as JDAS and EVOLV.
• Ensure compliance with State Regulations, COA requirements, and documentation standards and practices.
• Follow agency policies and procedures and support the agency mission, vision, and values, including participation in internal surveys and data collection for continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• For eligible employees working at the Canaan campus: paid travel time for up to two hours of commuting per workday.
• For eligible employees working at the Canaan campus: $500 monthly incentive.
• For eligible employees working at the Canaan campus: mileage reimbursement for additional distance traveled compared with the future Glenmont location when the Canaan commute is longer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time