Green Card Youth Specialist Jobs
Youth Specialist green card sponsorship is available through the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, with employers filing PERM labor certification before petitioning USCIS via I-140. Roles in juvenile services, community outreach, and behavioral support qualify when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, or a related field.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking a dynamic, positive, and service-minded individual to fill the role of Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist, Shift Administrator (JJYDS III). The selected candidate will work with juvenile justice-involved young people ages 12 – 20 years old (most of the youth served are 14 -18 years old) in DYS residential facilities.
The selected candidate performs various care and security activities in connection with young people in the custody of the Department of Youth Services. They will observe the conduct and behavior of juveniles assigned to the facility; maintain liaison with staff members, law enforcement agencies, professional specialists, and others. They serve as a part of a team to provide guidance and direction to the JJYDS and JJYDS Shift Supervisors and supervise the operations of assigned shifts.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Ensure proper security, control, and supervision of the shift, as well as all unit policies, rules, and regulations are followed.
- Supervise up to six (6) direct-report staff as well as directing the activities of staff and residents, plan activities, and coordinate resources.
- Act as a liaison for communication of any concerns or problems from direct-reports up through chain of command.
- Maintain custodial care and control of youth to uphold order and security within the facility; ensure the security of staff and youth by making periodic rounds, head counts and security checks and searches of youth and visitors to make certain all youth are accounted for and to ensure that weapons and contraband are not on the premise.
- Observe the conduct and behavior of youth confined to the facility and take appropriate action to prevent disturbances and/or escapes, to ensure compliance with established policies, regulations, and procedures and to ensure the safety of staff and youth; provide one-to-one youth watch, including suicide, elevated and medical watch to ensure the safety of the youth.
- Conduct intake of youth and complete appropriate documentation; document behavioral issues to establish patterns and monitor changes; complete incident reports and transportation, medical, visitor and daily operations logs to inform appropriate personnel during meetings and shift changes.
- Provide crisis and behavior management to youth as a means to prevent and/or intercede with crisis situations; facilitate and/or co-facilitate group meetings to assist the youth in developing coping skills to deal with their problems and issues and to develop pro-social and life skills; establish a rapport with the youth and advocate for the youth to ensure that their needs are being met; provide guidance and support through daily interaction and role modeling in order to facilitate re-entry into the community.
- Perform and oversee various care activities of youth in custody of the agency such as escorting and/or transporting them to activities, the recreational areas, meetings, and medical appointments; participate in activities to maintain order and security of the assigned facility and to monitor participation.
- Maintain electronic records/documents regarding daily behavior and activities of youth, including incident reports.
- Coordinate and oversee the activities and programs of an assigned program, service, or division to ensure effective operations, proper care, and treatment of youth and to ensure compliance with governing laws, rules, regulations, and established standards.
- Supervise and monitor the deployment of staff by checking duty stations and ensuring the completion of assigned tasks to ensure the safety and security of staff, youth, and visitors.
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources, controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations.
- Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
- Knowledge of the factors, trends, and challenges in providing secure residential and rehabilitative care to youth, including Positive Youth Development (PYD) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
- Proficient at gathering information by examining records and documents and through questioning and observation.
- Capacity to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress as well as the ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations.
- Effective communication including the ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
- Experience in establishing rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or socio-economic backgrounds including the ability to deal tactfully with others.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with youth including residential care, treatment, counseling and/or rehabilitation of juveniles and/or adult offenders.
- Proven ability to interact with youth in a supportive, safe, and encouraging way.
- Demonstrated program measurement, reporting and evaluation skills.
- Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
- Knowledge of the types and availability of public and private organizations providing services to juveniles such as settlement houses, child guidance clinics, health, welfare, and recreation agencies.
- Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Special Requirements:
- Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years
- Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job (i.e., Ability to properly restrain or subdue youth through appropriate use of handcuffs or other restraint techniques) if necessary.
- Able to talk and/or hear, stand, and walk, run, kneel, and climb stairs, as well as lift, carry, push, or pull up to 55 pounds with or without assistance and with or without the use of devices and/or equipment to assist in the lifting effort.
- Based on assignment, incumbents may be required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.
- Upon hire, incumbents must complete and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid.
Working Conditions:
- Incumbents may be exposed to verbal and/or physical confrontations and potentially dangerous environments.
- Incumbents may be required to physically restrain youth.
- Incumbents typically work a standard work week (five 8-hour shift); however, may be required to work extended hours, nights, holidays, or weekends.
- Incumbents may be required to travel in-state and based on assignment may be required to travel out of state.
Shift: 2nd Shift (1:00PM - 11:00PM) with Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday off. Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.
About the Department of Youth Services:
As the Juvenile Justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Department of Youth Services promotes positive change in the youth in our care and custody. Our mission is to make communities safer by improving the life outcomes for youth in our care. We achieve our mission through investing in highly qualified staff and a service continuum that engages youth, families, and communities in strategies that support positive youth development.
Pre-Hire Process:
Candidates must pass a pre-employment screening which includes:
- Drug Screening
- Psychological Screening
- Medical Examination
- Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
If you would like more information, please log on to the DYS website to access detailed information on the pre-employment process.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired.
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests.
For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have at least (A) a high school diploma or equivalent and (B) at least two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in the military, or working with at-risk or justice involved youth and/or adults with responsibilities that include but not limited to community supervision, safety and security in a 24/7 residential treatment or detention program, counseling, coaching (athletic or personal), mentoring, advocacy, mediation, de-escalation, substance use/abuse prevention, rehabilitation and/or in a law enforcement capacity, of which (C) at least one (1) year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. An associate degree or higher may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (B) experience.
Based on assignment, incumbents may be required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.
Upon hire, incumbents shall be required to complete and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Juvenile Just Yth Dev Spec III
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Middleton - 33 Gregory Street
Job: Community and Social Services
Agency: Department of Youth Services
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Evening
Job Posting: Nov 10, 2026, 2:51:36 PM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 66,378.52 - 90,016.68 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Natasha Lugo/Natasha.Lugo@mass.gov - 8572830119
Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No
The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking a dynamic, positive, and service-minded individual to fill the role of Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialist, Shift Administrator (JJYDS III). The selected candidate will work with juvenile justice-involved young people ages 12 – 20 years old (most of the youth served are 14 -18 years old) in DYS residential facilities.
The selected candidate performs various care and security activities in connection with young people in the custody of the Department of Youth Services. They will observe the conduct and behavior of juveniles assigned to the facility; maintain liaison with staff members, law enforcement agencies, professional specialists, and others. They serve as a part of a team to provide guidance and direction to the JJYDS and JJYDS Shift Supervisors and supervise the operations of assigned shifts.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Ensure proper security, control, and supervision of the shift, as well as all unit policies, rules, and regulations are followed.
- Supervise up to six (6) direct-report staff as well as directing the activities of staff and residents, plan activities, and coordinate resources.
- Act as a liaison for communication of any concerns or problems from direct-reports up through chain of command.
- Maintain custodial care and control of youth to uphold order and security within the facility; ensure the security of staff and youth by making periodic rounds, head counts and security checks and searches of youth and visitors to make certain all youth are accounted for and to ensure that weapons and contraband are not on the premise.
- Observe the conduct and behavior of youth confined to the facility and take appropriate action to prevent disturbances and/or escapes, to ensure compliance with established policies, regulations, and procedures and to ensure the safety of staff and youth; provide one-to-one youth watch, including suicide, elevated and medical watch to ensure the safety of the youth.
- Conduct intake of youth and complete appropriate documentation; document behavioral issues to establish patterns and monitor changes; complete incident reports and transportation, medical, visitor and daily operations logs to inform appropriate personnel during meetings and shift changes.
- Provide crisis and behavior management to youth as a means to prevent and/or intercede with crisis situations; facilitate and/or co-facilitate group meetings to assist the youth in developing coping skills to deal with their problems and issues and to develop pro-social and life skills; establish a rapport with the youth and advocate for the youth to ensure that their needs are being met; provide guidance and support through daily interaction and role modeling in order to facilitate re-entry into the community.
- Perform and oversee various care activities of youth in custody of the agency such as escorting and/or transporting them to activities, the recreational areas, meetings, and medical appointments; participate in activities to maintain order and security of the assigned facility and to monitor participation.
- Maintain electronic records/documents regarding daily behavior and activities of youth, including incident reports.
- Coordinate and oversee the activities and programs of an assigned program, service, or division to ensure effective operations, proper care, and treatment of youth and to ensure compliance with governing laws, rules, regulations, and established standards.
- Supervise and monitor the deployment of staff by checking duty stations and ensuring the completion of assigned tasks to ensure the safety and security of staff, youth, and visitors.
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources, controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations.
- Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
- Knowledge of the factors, trends, and challenges in providing secure residential and rehabilitative care to youth, including Positive Youth Development (PYD) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
- Proficient at gathering information by examining records and documents and through questioning and observation.
- Capacity to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress as well as the ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations.
- Effective communication including the ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
- Experience in establishing rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or socio-economic backgrounds including the ability to deal tactfully with others.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with youth including residential care, treatment, counseling and/or rehabilitation of juveniles and/or adult offenders.
- Proven ability to interact with youth in a supportive, safe, and encouraging way.
- Demonstrated program measurement, reporting and evaluation skills.
- Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
- Knowledge of the types and availability of public and private organizations providing services to juveniles such as settlement houses, child guidance clinics, health, welfare, and recreation agencies.
- Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Special Requirements:
- Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years
- Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job (i.e., Ability to properly restrain or subdue youth through appropriate use of handcuffs or other restraint techniques) if necessary.
- Able to talk and/or hear, stand, and walk, run, kneel, and climb stairs, as well as lift, carry, push, or pull up to 55 pounds with or without assistance and with or without the use of devices and/or equipment to assist in the lifting effort.
- Based on assignment, incumbents may be required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.
- Upon hire, incumbents must complete and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid.
Working Conditions:
- Incumbents may be exposed to verbal and/or physical confrontations and potentially dangerous environments.
- Incumbents may be required to physically restrain youth.
- Incumbents typically work a standard work week (five 8-hour shift); however, may be required to work extended hours, nights, holidays, or weekends.
- Incumbents may be required to travel in-state and based on assignment may be required to travel out of state.
Shift: 2nd Shift (1:00PM - 11:00PM) with Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday off. Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.
About the Department of Youth Services:
As the Juvenile Justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Department of Youth Services promotes positive change in the youth in our care and custody. Our mission is to make communities safer by improving the life outcomes for youth in our care. We achieve our mission through investing in highly qualified staff and a service continuum that engages youth, families, and communities in strategies that support positive youth development.
Pre-Hire Process:
Candidates must pass a pre-employment screening which includes:
- Drug Screening
- Psychological Screening
- Medical Examination
- Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
If you would like more information, please log on to the DYS website to access detailed information on the pre-employment process.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired.
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests.
For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have at least (A) a high school diploma or equivalent and (B) at least two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in the military, or working with at-risk or justice involved youth and/or adults with responsibilities that include but not limited to community supervision, safety and security in a 24/7 residential treatment or detention program, counseling, coaching (athletic or personal), mentoring, advocacy, mediation, de-escalation, substance use/abuse prevention, rehabilitation and/or in a law enforcement capacity, of which (C) at least one (1) year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. An associate degree or higher may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (B) experience.
Based on assignment, incumbents may be required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.
Upon hire, incumbents shall be required to complete and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Juvenile Just Yth Dev Spec III
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Middleton - 33 Gregory Street
Job: Community and Social Services
Agency: Department of Youth Services
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Evening
Job Posting: Nov 10, 2026, 2:51:36 PM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 66,378.52 - 90,016.68 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Natasha Lugo/Natasha.Lugo@mass.gov - 8572830119
Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No
See all Green Card Youth Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Youth Specialist
Align your credentials to PERM requirements
PERM labor certification requires the employer to prove no qualified U.S. worker is available for the exact role offered to you. Your degree, field of study, and documented experience must match the job description precisely, so resolve any credential gaps before your employer begins recruitment.
Target nonprofits and government contractors first
Youth Specialist roles at nonprofit agencies, federally funded community organizations, and county social services departments are most likely to have established PERM filing experience. These employers sponsor green cards more routinely than private firms and often have dedicated HR processes for navigating the multi-step I-140 petition.
Search verified sponsors on Migrate Mate
Locating employers with actual EB-2 or EB-3 filing history in human services is faster when you use Migrate Mate, which lists U.S. employers with verified green card sponsorship history searchable by role and location, so you're not cold-applying to organizations that have never sponsored.
Distinguish EB-2 and EB-3 based on your degree
If your highest credential is a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, you'll typically qualify under EB-3. A master's degree or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive Youth Specialist experience opens the EB-2 pathway, which can carry a shorter priority-date queue depending on your country of birth.
Request a prevailing wage determination early
Your employer must submit a prevailing wage request to DOL before advertising the position in PERM recruitment. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for your occupation and location yourself, so you can confirm the salary offered meets or exceeds the DOL-set level before signing an offer.
Preserve your priority date if you change employers
Once your original I-140 is approved, your priority date can transfer to a new employer's I-140 petition even if you change jobs. AC21 portability also lets you change to a same or similar occupation once your I-485 adjustment of status has been pending 180 days, protecting years of queue position you've already accumulated.
Green Card Youth Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Youth Specialist roles actually qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Yes. Youth Specialist positions qualify when the employer defines the role as requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, counseling, or a closely related field. EB-2 applies if the role requires an advanced degree or the equivalent in experience. EB-3 covers bachelor's-level positions and skilled workers with at least two years of relevant experience. The O*NET profile for community and social service roles supports both classifications.
How is green card sponsorship different from H-1B for this role?
Green card sponsorship leads to lawful permanent residence, not a temporary status. The process involves PERM labor certification filed with DOL, an I-140 immigrant petition with USCIS, and then adjustment of status or consular processing. There is no lottery, but there are per-country numerical limits that can create priority-date backlogs for nationals of high-demand countries. H-1B visa is a temporary nonimmigrant status with its own cap and lottery, and it does not lead to permanent residence on its own.
What does the PERM labor certification process involve for Youth Specialist employers?
PERM requires your employer to obtain a prevailing wage determination from DOL, conduct a formal recruitment test to demonstrate no qualified U.S. worker applied, and file an ETA Form 9089 with DOL. The recruitment must follow strict advertising requirements, including job postings in specific formats and timeframes. Only after PERM certification can the employer file an I-140 petition on your behalf with USCIS.
How do I find Youth Specialist employers who have sponsored green cards before?
Migrate Mate lists U.S. employers with verified employment-based green card sponsorship history, searchable by role and city. Focusing your search on organizations that have already navigated the PERM and I-140 process reduces the risk of an employer agreeing in principle but stalling on execution. Nonprofits serving youth populations and federally contracted social service agencies are worth prioritizing.
Can I change Youth Specialist employers after my green card case is filed?
Yes, under two distinct rules. If your I-140 has been approved, a new employer can file a fresh I-140 and you can request to carry over your original priority date, preserving your place in the queue. Separately, once your I-485 adjustment of status application has been pending for 180 days or more, AC21 portability allows you to move to the same or a similar occupation without abandoning your case.