Child Support Professional

Salary Range $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly

Education Level High School

Job Description

Make an Impact at WellLife Network

At WellLife, we believe every young person deserves the dignity, respect, and support to grow, heal, and thrive. Our Child Support Professionals are compassionate, dedicated members of the Community Residence Program team, creating a safe and therapeutic environment for children and adolescents. If you have a caring heart, a commitment to trauma-informed care, and the drive to make a real difference every day, this could be the role for you.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Child Support Professional, you’ll provide specialized care, supervision, and therapeutic support to youth in residence. From skill-building to family engagement, you’ll be an essential partner in helping residents achieve their goals, develop independence, and prepare for the future.

Your Core Responsibilities

Individualized Care & Supervision

• Offer tailored supervision and care for each resident, ensuring their safety and well-being.

• Demonstrate positive behaviors and embody the program’s core values to influence residents constructively.

Skill Development & Therapeutic Support

• Utilize strength-based techniques to foster resilience and asset-building.

• Teach daily and independent living skills, track progress, and maintain a therapeutic milieu that supports emotional growth.

Household Management

• Create a homely atmosphere by performing and coaching residents in household duties including cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal planning, and preparation.

Service Planning & Trauma-Informed Care

• Participate in the development and review of service plans.

• Apply trauma-sensitive practices in all interactions.

Transportation & Community Engagement

• Escort residents to appointments and activities, providing supervision and transportation.

• Promote and facilitate family involvement and reunification, using strength-based strategies.

Counseling & Behavioral Support

• Offer formal and informal counseling to support emotional and social development.

• Assist with behavior management, crisis intervention, and support adherence to medication regimens.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete all required documentation accurately and on time.

• Promptly report incidents or unusual occurrences.

Organizational Commitment

• Participate in special events, such as the annual Family Bonds retreat, and other duties as assigned.

We’d Love to Hear from You If You Have:

• A High School Diploma or equivalent (required); Associate’s degree preferred.

• Experience working with children with emotional or behavioral needs (preferred).

• A valid New York State driver’s license (required).

What You’ll Gain

• Compensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience.

• Robust Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and 401k retirement plan (with matching).

• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, holidays, and personal days.

• Wellness Program: Free and low-cost gym and wellness access and support.

• Training & Growth: Ongoing professional development and career advancement opportunities.

• Meaningful Work: Direct impact on the lives of youth and their families.

• Supportive Environment: A collaborative team that values your contributions.

About WellLife Network

WellLife Network is one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit human services organizations, serving more than 25,000 individuals each year. Our work spans behavioral health, developmental disabilities, addiction recovery, housing, employment, and family support.

Position Summary: The Child Support Professional is a compassionate and dedicated member of the Community Residence Program team, responsible for helping create a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances. Reporting to the Program Supervisor/Social Worker and the Program Director, this individual plays a vital role in providing direct care, emotional support, and guidance to residents through daily routines, structured activities, and meaningful relationships. The Child Support Professional works to promote positive behaviors, model healthy coping skills, and foster personal growth and independence in each youth. This position requires patience, consistency, and a trauma-informed approach that balances empathy with accountability while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and care.

Essential Accountabilities

1. Individualized Resident Care: Provide personalized supervision and support to each resident, ensuring their safety, well-being, and emotional stability.

2. Behavioral Modeling: Consistently demonstrate positive behavior, professionalism, and respect, serving as a role model for residents and reinforcing the program’s core values.

3. Strength-Based Practices: Utilize strength-based and trauma-informed techniques to build trust, promote resilience, and help residents identify and use their personal strengths.

4. Skill Development: Teach and support residents in daily living, social, and independent living skills, documenting progress and celebrating accomplishments.

5. Therapeutic Environment: Contribute to a nurturing and structured milieu that encourages emotional regulation, positive social interaction, and personal growth.

6. Household Management: Promote a home-like environment by participating in household routines and responsibilities such as cleaning, meal preparation, and organization, alongside residents.

7. Service Planning: Participate in treatment and service planning meetings, contributing observations and insights to align care strategies with each resident’s goals.

8. Trauma-Informed Care: Apply trauma-sensitive approaches in all interactions, recognizing and responding to the emotional needs and triggers of each youth.

9. Transport and Supervision: Accompany and transport residents to appointments, school, and recreational activities, maintaining safety and supportive engagement throughout.

10. Family Engagement: Encourage and facilitate family involvement when appropriate, maintaining a collaborative and supportive relationship with families to promote reunification and stability.

11. Counseling Support: Provide informal counseling, mentorship, and emotional support to help residents build coping strategies, communication skills, and confidence.

12. Medication Management: Follow established protocols to support residents in adhering to prescribed medication schedules under supervision of clinical staff.

13. Behavioral Support: Assist residents in managing their emotions and behaviors, intervening calmly and effectively during crises or conflicts, and documenting all incidents promptly.

14. Reporting and Documentation: Complete all required reports, logs, and documentation accurately and on time, maintaining compliance with program and OMH standards.

15. Residential Upkeep: Participate in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe living environment; coach residents in household responsibilities such as cleaning, laundry, shopping, and meal preparation.

16. Program Participation: Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and special events, including the annual Family Bonds Retreat, contributing to a positive and collaborative team culture.

17. Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned, demonstrating flexibility, teamwork, and a commitment to the mission of providing comprehensive, compassionate care to youth and families.

Job Qualifications

This position requires a minimum of a high school diploma and experience working with children who have emotional or behavioral challenges. Candidates with an associate’s degree in human services or a related field are preferred. A valid New York State driver’s license is required. The ideal candidate demonstrates patience, empathy, and a strong commitment to supporting youth through their personal growth and recovery journey. Join us in helping lay the foundation for a brighter, more hopeful future—transforming challenges into milestones and vulnerability into resilience.