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Job Title: Residential Crisis Aide

Department: Residential Services

Position Summary

The Residential Crisis Aide is responsible for creating and maintaining a therapeutic milieu both in the cottage and in the school setting. This includes supervising youth based on their individual needs and following their Individual Crisis Management Plan, assisting with daily living tasks, providing individual and group support, and facilitating opportunities for building and maintaining positive connections with family and community resources. The position ensures the safety and welfare of all youth in care at New Directions Youth & Family Services.

Department

New Directions’ Residential Services programs provide structured, supportive environments for youth, focusing on emotional stability, personal growth, and family engagement through therapeutic relationships and consistent support.

Agency

New 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.

Benefits

New Directions takes pride in offering a comprehensive employee benefits package:

+ Medical Insurance: Coverage effective the first of the month following hire; employer contributions and HSA deposits available.

+ Dental & Vision Insurance: Coverage effective the first of the month following hire; New Directions pays part of the premium.

+ Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and childcare expenses.

+ Wellness Program & EAP to support personal and family well-being.

+ Paid Time Off: 3 weeks of PTO plus 14 paid holidays each year. PTO includes designated sick time, with options to carry over or partially cash out after the second anniversary.

+ Retirement: 401K with up to 3% company match after one year.

+ Insurance: Company-paid long-term disability and life insurance, with options for additional voluntary coverage.

+ Professional Growth: Tuition reimbursement (up to $8,000 for degrees; $750 for certifications), guaranteed internal interview opportunities.

+ Discounts & Perks: Verizon discount, credit union membership, Normative Recognition Award program.

+ Loan Forgiveness Support: Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Teacher Loan Forgiveness, and NYS Loan Forgiveness programs.

Compensation

Starting pay: $19.04 – $20.00 per hour (based on education and years of relevant experience).

Hours/Schedule

+ Full-Time

+ Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Professional Development Opportunities

New Directions invests in developing future leaders through tuition reimbursement, professional development, training opportunities, and internal advancement pathways.

Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities

+ Engage with youth at intake and support orientation to the program.

+ Communicate with families/resources upon arrival and facilitate initial contact between youth and family.

+ Supervise and engage youth in daily routines, ensuring emotional and physical safety.

+ Facilitate family connections (e.g., video calls, phone calls, family time).

+ Utilize each youth’s Individual Crisis Management Plan to provide therapeutic crisis intervention.

+ Participate in multidisciplinary treatment teams to coordinate services.

+ Observe and document behavioral and emotional needs, providing updates to team members.

+ Complete required documentation (logs, incident reports, notes) before the end of each shift.

+ Administer prescribed medications as directed under Health Services supervision and maintain accurate records.

+ Support daily living routines, chores, and upkeep of the cottage environment.

+ Maintain mandated reporter responsibilities and report incidents as required.

+ Encourage and support youth’s life skills, organization, and hygiene.

+ Maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and First Aid/CPR certifications provided by the agency.

+ Support classroom supervision and youth transitions within the school environment.

+ Participate in community and restorative circles, as well as PBIS systems.

+ Attend supervision, in-service training, and required certification renewals.

+ Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

+ Ability to work effectively with youth, families, staff, and community partners from diverse backgrounds.

+ Ability to build appropriate, respectful relationships with youth and guide their development.

+ Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability skills.

+ Ability to manage a unit or cottage effectively and participate in treatment planning.

+ Valid NYS driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and reliable transportation (exceptions may apply for non-driving positions).

+ Ability to pass an annual physical for Category 3 job classification.

+ Compliance with agency safety standards and health policies.

Qualifications

+ High School Diploma or GED required.

+ Degree preferred.

+ Driver's License required.

+ Previous childcare experience preferred.

+ Must be able to build appropriate, respectful relationships with youth, guide their development, manage the unit/cottage effectively, and exercise sound professional judgment.

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.