Date Posted:
05/11/26
Applications Due:
05/26/26
Vacancy ID:
215823 Position Information NY HELPNo AgencyChildren & Family Services, Office of TitlePeer Specialist Youth Services Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers Salary Grade09 Bargaining UnitISU - Institutional Services Unit (CSEA) Salary RangeFrom $42641 to $52413 Annually Employment TypeFull-Time Appointment TypePermanent Jurisdictional ClassNon-competitive Class Travel Percentage30% Schedule WorkweekMon-Fri Hours Per Week37.5 Workday From9 AM To5 PM Flextime allowed?
No Mandatory overtime?
No Compressed workweek allowed?
No Telecommuting allowed?
Yes Location CountyRensselaer Street AddressCapital View Office Park - Capital District CMSO 52 Washington Street CityRensselaer StateNY Zip Code12144 Job Specifics Duties DescriptionUnder the direction of the Family Engagement Specialist, the DJJOY Peer Specialists will assist CMSO staff by engaging youth and families through a network of parent/caregiver support groups, connecting them to community based resources, and empowering families to advocate for their own needs. They will strengthen the families abitlity to utilize resources available to them and encourage positive relationships between youth and parent/caregiver. The incumbent will be responsible for performing the following duties:
- Build a supportive relationship with parents.
- Assist Family Engagement Specialist in organizing and conducting monthly parent support groups/workshops.
- Support the parents of OCFS placed youth in meetings and appointments.
- Provide advocacy for parents of youth placed with OCFS.
- Connect parents to larger empowerment movements to elevate their understanding of their role promoting families.
- Meet with parents on a regular basis through 1:1 engagements in the community and at scheduled meetings, at the discretion of the Family Engagement Specialist.
- Participate in mandated and elective training opportunities as prescribed by OCFS.
- Work closely with OCFS Family Engagement Team and CMSO staff
- Help promote and support the active involvement of families in events or activities that occur at OCFS facilities and in community programs.
Minimum QualificationsTwo years of experience participating in self -help activities, peer support or advocacy programs, or similar organizations. Applicant must
have been in child welfare placement for two years or more above the age of 8 or had juvenile justice placement or received
homeless youth services in New York State or are a parent who has had a child involved in the juvenile justice system. Additional CommentsTelecommuting is available for this position, however, it is at the sole discretion of the assigned supervisor and the Office of Community Partnerships when a candidate may be considered. Telecommuting applications will be reviewed and approved on a case by case basis in accordance with the OCFS Telecommuting Pilot Program Policy.
Background Investigation Requirements:
1) All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee's employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees. 2) All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees. 3) For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable. The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS's mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity. How to Apply NameNew York State Office of Children and Family Services Telephone518-473-7936 Fax518-474-0017 Email Addresseoajobpostings@ocfs.ny Address StreetBureau of Personnel - MG 52 Washington Street, 231 North CityRensselaer StateNY Zip Code12144 Notes on ApplyingQualified candidates should e-mail their resume and letter of interest to eoajobpostings@ocfs.ny You MUST include the Vacancy number of the position in the subject line of your email and/or cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. In order to qualify you for the position when you have current or prior New York State employment, you may be contacted by OCFS Personnel for your social security number to confirm your employment history.
