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Youth Program Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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Youth Program information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$22.7K

$53.4K

$96.2K

How much do youth program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth program in Rochester, NY is $53,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Youth Program Coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Youth Program Coordinator, you need a background in education, social work, or a related field, along with experience in youth development and program management. Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office, online collaboration platforms, and state-mandated child safety certifications is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help build trust with youth and effectively manage diverse groups. These skills ensure safe, engaging, and impactful programs that foster positive youth development.

What is the difference between Youth Program vs Youth Counselor?

AspectYouth ProgramYouth Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often requires background in education or social workTypically requires a degree in social work, psychology, or related field; certifications may be needed
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, non-profits, campsSchools, community centers, residential facilities
Employer & IndustryNon-profits, government agencies, educational institutionsSchools, youth organizations, social service agencies
Job FocusProgram development, planning, and management for youth activitiesDirect counseling, mentoring, and supporting youth

While both roles focus on youth, Youth Programs involve designing and managing activities and initiatives for youth development, whereas Youth Counselors provide direct support, guidance, and counseling to individual youth. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are youth programs?

Youth programs are organized activities and initiatives designed to support the development, education, and well-being of young people, typically ranging from childhood through adolescence. These programs can include after-school clubs, sports, mentorship, leadership training, community service, and arts initiatives. Their primary goal is to help youth build life skills, foster positive relationships, and provide safe and supportive environments for growth. Youth programs are often run by schools, community organizations, or non-profits, and may focus on social, academic, or recreational objectives.

What are some typical challenges faced when working in a Youth Program role, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Youth Program roles often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse groups of young participants, managing behavioral issues, and coordinating activities that meet varying developmental needs. Effective communication, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are essential for addressing these challenges. Building rapport, setting clear expectations, and collaborating closely with colleagues, parents, and community partners can greatly enhance program outcomes and create a supportive environment for youth development.
What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Program jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Youth Program jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Youth Program jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Youth Program jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Youth Program jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Youth Program job openings:
Infographic showing various Youth Program job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,414 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Youth Support Coordinator 1 (NY HELPS)

Youth Support Coordinator 1 (NY HELPS)

New York State

Rush, NY

$66K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description Youth Counselors mentor and guide youth in residential facilities operated by the Division for Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY). They are responsible for the supervision, evaluation and guidance of youthful offenders, juvenile offenders or at-risk youth referred to OCFS. Develops, implements and monitors programs for resident youth.

Plans, organizes and conducts individual group discussions. Guides youth in adjusting to a facility's programs by identifying problems that affect the youths' behavior and attitudes and by developing an appropriate rehabilitation program. Serves as a member of the facility's residential program group, or decision-making body.

Develops, maintains and submits required records and reports. May supervise Youth Support Assistants and Youth Support Specialists. Additional duties will be discussed in detail during the interview.

Minimum Qualifications Transfer: One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in this title or in a title eligible for 70.1 transfer. Current OCFS Employees: One year of permanent service as a Youth Support Specialist, Grade 14. Open to the Public: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).* The minimum qualifications through NY HELPS are: Six years of direct counseling, educational, clinical, or supervisory experience in prevention, protection, or rehabilitative programs for individuals between the ages of 10 and 21 years of age who are considered to be "juvenile delinquents," "youthful offenders," or youth ages of 10 and 21 years of age residing in a residential setting, including those diagnosed with mental or developmental disabilities, mental illness, or addictions who could potentially become involved in the juvenile justice system

An associate degree in a human services field and four years of experience as described above; OR A bachelor's degree in a human services field and two years of experience as described above; OR A master's degree in a human services field and one year of experience as described above. Examples of Non-Qualifying Experience: casework services not related to children and families; classroom teacher, tutor or Head Start worker, daycare provider or administrator of a daycare center, camp counselor or provider of recreational services, foster parent, transportation service worker, clerical duties, or provider of correctional services. Additional Comments Please specify in your cover letter and/or resume how you meet the minimum qualifications (as described above) when responding to this posting.

For example, you should provide specific date ranges for qualifying experience, qualifying education or certifications, or the age range of individuals served. Non-specific submissions may be disqualified from further consideration if the information you provide does not meet the minimum qualifications. For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title maybe filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

Upon one year of permanent appointment, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

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.


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