Job Title: Residential Crisis Aide
Department: Residential Services

Position Summary

The Residential Crisis Aide supports youth in a therapeutic residential and educational environment by providing supervision, guidance, crisis intervention, and assistance with daily living activities. This position helps maintain a safe, supportive, and structured environment while encouraging positive relationships, emotional regulation, and personal growth. The Residential Crisis Aide works collaboratively with residential, educational, and clinical staff to support individualized treatment plans and promote the safety and well-being of youth in care.

Department

New Directions' Residential Services provides structured, therapeutic care for youth experiencing behavioral, emotional, and social challenges. Through individualized support, skill development, family connections, and collaboration with educational and clinical teams, residential staff help youth develop the skills and relationships needed to work toward their treatment goals.

Agency

New Directions Youth & Family Services 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 Benefits

• Pay: $19.50 – $20.48 per hour
• Paid Time Off: 120 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays
• Insurance: Medical, dental, and life insurance
• Retirement: 401k with up to 3% agency match
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Join a company where over 30% of staff have been with us for 10+ years

Hours/Schedule

Full-Time, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location

Lockport, NY

Professional Development Opportunities

New Directions supports professional growth through ongoing training, supervision, and opportunities to develop skills in therapeutic crisis intervention, youth development, behavioral support, and trauma-informed care. Employees receive training in agency practices and have opportunities to build their expertise and pursue advancement within the organization.

Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities

Youth Supervision and Daily Living Support

• Provide direct supervision and support to youth in residential cottages and educational settings, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Welcome youth entering the program, assist with orientation, and support their adjustment to the residential environment.
• Assist youth with daily routines, including morning preparation, meals, personal care, household responsibilities, and school transitions.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy residential environment, including monitoring living spaces and addressing maintenance or safety concerns.
• Support youth in developing independent living skills, personal responsibility, and positive daily habits.
• Maintain appropriate supervision of youth who are unable to attend school due to illness, as directed by Health Services.

Therapeutic Support and Crisis Intervention

• Implement individualized crisis management plans and provide therapeutic interventions to support youth experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Use appropriate de-escalation strategies, sensory supports, and therapeutic approaches to help youth develop emotional regulation skills.
• Participate in the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans.
• Observe and communicate changes in youth behavior, emotional well-being, and individual needs to the treatment team.
• Foster positive, respectful relationships with youth while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Educational Support

• Supervise youth during transitions between residential cottages, the cafeteria, classrooms, and other educational settings.
• Provide classroom support in collaboration with teachers and teacher aides to reinforce school expectations and positive behaviors.
• Utilize the school's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system to recognize and encourage appropriate behavior.
• Participate in Community and Restorative Circles as required.
• Assist with supervision in alternative learning environments and support transitions between school and residential programming.

Family Connections and Collaboration

• Support communication and positive connections between youth and their families or identified resources.
• Assist youth with family contact, including telephone calls, virtual communication, and family visitation.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and coordinate with residential, educational, clinical, and health services staff.
• Communicate relevant information regarding youth needs, progress, and concerns to appropriate team members.

Health, Safety, and Documentation

• Administer prescribed medications under the supervision of Health Services and maintain accurate medication records and required certification.
• Follow Health Services treatment guidelines and individualized care instructions.
• Complete timely and accurate daily documentation, including incident reports, individual logs, communication records, and shift notes.
• Maintain appropriate supervision, security, and fire safety practices within residential and campus settings.
• Fulfill mandated reporting responsibilities in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and First Aid/CPR certifications as provided by the agency.

Training and Agency Standards

• Attend mandatory in-service training, regular supervision meetings, and other required professional development activities.
• Follow agency policies, procedures, safety standards, and therapeutic practices.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and other departments to support youth and program needs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the immediate or site supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to build and maintain positive, respectful, and appropriate relationships with youth and families.
• Ability to support youth experiencing emotional, behavioral, and social challenges.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professional boundaries, and respond appropriately to challenging situations.
• Ability to work effectively with youth, families, staff, and community contacts from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, electronically, and through written documentation.
• Ability to accept supervision and perform as part of a team.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to change.
• Ability to provide effective supervision and maintain a safe, structured residential environment.
• Valid driver's license, adequate auto insurance, and ability to meet the requirements of New Directions' Driver's License and Auto Insurance policies.
• Ability to pass an annual physical for Category 3 job classification in accordance with New Directions Employee Health policy.
• Ability to comply with agency safety standards and maintain responsibility for personal conduct related to safe and healthy working conditions.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to build appropriate and respectful relationships with youth, guide their development, effectively manage residential settings, and participate in individualized treatment planning.
• Ability to exercise common sense and professional judgment.

Preferred

• College degree.
• Previous experience in childcare or working with youth.

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.