Youth Support Specialist Supervisor / Wildcat Advisor

Job Title: Youth Support Specialist Supervisor / Wildcat AdvisorDepartment: Residential ServicesPosition SummaryThe Youth Support Specialist Supervisor / Wildcat Advisor provides leadership and oversight for Youth Support Specialists and Senior Youth Support Specialists to ensure the safety, supervision, and therapeutic care of youth in the residential program. This position supports the development of a trauma-informed therapeutic environment while maintaining supervision of youth, assisting with daily living activities, and providing guidance, counseling, and support. The role also oversees the Wildcat Club and coordinates on-campus and community activities for participating youth.DepartmentNew Directions’ Residential Services programs provide structured, trauma-informed environments where youth receive consistent support, supervision, and opportunities to develop life skills, build healthy relationships, and prepare for successful transitions into the community.AgencyNew Directions is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.Pay and BenefitsStarting Pay: $23.00 – $24.16 per hour, based on education and years of relevant experience Paid Time Off: 3 weeks PTO in the first year Holidays: 14 paid agency holidays Insurance: Access to medical, dental, and life insurance Retirement: 401K with up to 3% agency match Hours/ScheduleFull-TimeMonday – Friday, flexible/variesLocationLockport, NYProfessional Development OpportunitiesNew Directions invests in developing future leaders through ongoing training, supervision, and advancement opportunities across programs within the organization.Position Specific Duties/ResponsibilitiesProvide direct supervision and support to Youth Support Specialists and Senior Youth Support Specialists. Ensure proper care and supervision of youth while maintaining safety of youth and residential facilities. Assist staff in maintaining a trauma-informed therapeutic milieu for youth. Provide direct-care coverage on the floor as needed. Prepare staff schedules and ensure adequate coverage across suites, cottages, and programs. Coordinate day-to-day operations of residential suites, cottages, and apartment programs. Ensure timely and accurate completion of reports, supervisory logs, incident reports, and documentation. Conduct staff evaluations and maintain supervision records. Support hiring, orientation, and training of new Youth Support Specialists. Meet regularly with residents to communicate information and address needs. Collaborate with social workers and treatment teams to ensure continuity of care. Participate in treatment program reviews and implementation of program changes. Coordinate life skills opportunities and activities for residents. Provide and participate in staff trainings and program meetings. Assist with planning and coordinating home visit transportation. Maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and First Aid/CPR certifications. Serve as a mandated reporter and follow agency reporting requirements. Oversee the Wildcat Club and coordinate on-campus and off-campus activities. Facilitate Wildcat meetings and support youth leadership within the program. Coordinate schedules and programming that match the developmental needs of participating youth. Maintain the Wildcat program budget and ensure the Wildcat Lounge is secured and maintained. Serve as a liaison between school staff and residential programming for Wildcat participants. Coordinate with cottage teams and day staff to share relevant information. Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesAbility to work effectively with youth, families, staff, and community partners from diverse backgrounds. Ability to manage challenging situations with youth and maintain a therapeutic environment. Strong leadership, supervision, and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Flexibility and adaptability within a dynamic residential environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills across multiple platforms. Valid NYS driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and compliance with agency driving policies. Ability to pass annual physical for Category 2 job classification. Compliance with agency safety and workplace standards. QualificationsBachelor’s degree preferred. Two to four years of related field experience. One year of prior supervisory experience preferred. We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable human service organization to apply.