Social Services Specialist Jobs in New York
Social Services Specialist jobs in New York represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in public welfare agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, and child welfare programs, with openings at every level from entry-level caseworker to senior program specialist. The heaviest hiring is in New York City, Buffalo, and Albany, where large employers such as the New York City Human Resources Administration, Catholic Charities, and Northwell Health maintain substantial and ongoing workforces in this field. The most in-demand specialties include child protective services, benefits eligibility determination, and mental health case coordination. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Join the Upstate Caring Partners Team as a Transitional Specialist of Youth Services - Starting Pay $19.24 an hour!
The Transitional Specialist of Youth Services will assist in the planning of the Pre-Employment Transitional Services (Pre-ETS). This position will develop and maintain positive, professional partnerships with local businesses in order to promote experiences and opportunities for program students. The Transitional Specialist must be familiar with supports to include advocacy; training in soft skills such as effective communication, problem-solving skills, work ethic, grooming/hygiene, response to supervision, etc., retention services to provide ongoing work supports, goal planning, treatment team interaction, establishment and cultivation of natural supports at the work site and interactions with funding sources and employers.
Core Responsibilities
- Assist in the planning of the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for Students with Disabilities.
- Implement the established curriculum and delivery of workplace readiness and self-advocacy services.
- Serve as liaison between Agency leadership and outside partners for the successful execution of the Pre-ETS program.
- Provide ongoing recruitment efforts and initiatives to meet program need.
- Assist with the enrollment process including intake and discharge responsibilities and other required submissions related to student enrolment.
- Maintains the timely completion of all necessary records and reports.
- Provide transportation and community inclusion opportunities for the students as required to carry out Pre-ETS goals and services.
- Provide guidance and support for all people/students receiving services.
- Act as a liaison between the program and BOCES and/or all participating school CSE’s.
- Implement and ensure compliance with the policies, procedures and regulations of the Agency and external regulatory bodies.
Qualifications
- Associates Degree in Human Services or related field required, Bachelors preferred.
- 2-3 years’ experience working with youth.
- Willingness to adapt multiple methods to engage youth in services.
- Ability to meet the physical requirements of the specific job.
- Advanced computer skills, (Windows, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Access, PowerPoint).
- Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License - travel is required.
Benefits
Our work environment provides the opportunity to grow and learn in a fast-paced atmosphere. We offer competitive benefits and salary to include a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits and generous paid time off.
- Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision
- Direct Deposit
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Retirement Plan 403(b)
- Life Insurance
- Voluntary Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Generous PTO Plans (Sick, Vacation and Employee Leave)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Service Awards
- Employee Appreciation Events
- Employee Discounts
Upstate Caring Partners is the premier provider of direct-care services and programs in Central New York for individuals of all abilities and their families. If you believe in empowering people, Upstate Caring Partners is an excellent place to start or grow your career.
Please visit our careers website to access the full job description located within the job posting.
To access a copy of the job description Click Here - Transitional Specialist of Youth Services
Join the Upstate Caring Partners Team as a Transitional Specialist of Youth Services - Starting Pay $19.24 an hour!
The Transitional Specialist of Youth Services will assist in the planning of the Pre-Employment Transitional Services (Pre-ETS). This position will develop and maintain positive, professional partnerships with local businesses in order to promote experiences and opportunities for program students. The Transitional Specialist must be familiar with supports to include advocacy; training in soft skills such as effective communication, problem-solving skills, work ethic, grooming/hygiene, response to supervision, etc., retention services to provide ongoing work supports, goal planning, treatment team interaction, establishment and cultivation of natural supports at the work site and interactions with funding sources and employers.
Core Responsibilities
- Assist in the planning of the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for Students with Disabilities.
- Implement the established curriculum and delivery of workplace readiness and self-advocacy services.
- Serve as liaison between Agency leadership and outside partners for the successful execution of the Pre-ETS program.
- Provide ongoing recruitment efforts and initiatives to meet program need.
- Assist with the enrollment process including intake and discharge responsibilities and other required submissions related to student enrolment.
- Maintains the timely completion of all necessary records and reports.
- Provide transportation and community inclusion opportunities for the students as required to carry out Pre-ETS goals and services.
- Provide guidance and support for all people/students receiving services.
- Act as a liaison between the program and BOCES and/or all participating school CSE’s.
- Implement and ensure compliance with the policies, procedures and regulations of the Agency and external regulatory bodies.
Qualifications
- Associates Degree in Human Services or related field required, Bachelors preferred.
- 2-3 years’ experience working with youth.
- Willingness to adapt multiple methods to engage youth in services.
- Ability to meet the physical requirements of the specific job.
- Advanced computer skills, (Windows, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Access, PowerPoint).
- Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License - travel is required.
Benefits
Our work environment provides the opportunity to grow and learn in a fast-paced atmosphere. We offer competitive benefits and salary to include a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits and generous paid time off.
- Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision
- Direct Deposit
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Retirement Plan 403(b)
- Life Insurance
- Voluntary Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Generous PTO Plans (Sick, Vacation and Employee Leave)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Service Awards
- Employee Appreciation Events
- Employee Discounts
Upstate Caring Partners is the premier provider of direct-care services and programs in Central New York for individuals of all abilities and their families. If you believe in empowering people, Upstate Caring Partners is an excellent place to start or grow your career.
Please visit our careers website to access the full job description located within the job posting.
To access a copy of the job description Click Here - Transitional Specialist of Youth Services
See All 25 Social Services Specialist Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSocial Services Specialist Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Social Services Specialist Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- The Jewish Board4
- Bronxcare Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Center3
- BestSelf Behavioral Health2
- Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services2
- Albany Medical Center1
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services16
- Non-Profit & Social Services5
- Education1
- Law & Legal Services1
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in social services specialist jobs across New York.
- Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or a closely related field required
- New York State civil service examination eligibility or active civil service list status
- Experience conducting client assessments, case planning, and service coordination
- Proficiency with case management software and electronic documentation systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for reports and interagency coordination
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in New York communities
Social Services Specialist Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a social services specialist in New York?
Most social services specialist positions in New York are filled through the state or city civil service system, which requires passing a competitive civil service exam administered by the New York State Department of Civil Service or the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services. A bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field is the standard education requirement. Some positions with county departments of social services require additional background clearances. Candidates who place on an eligible list are then considered as vacancies open.
How much do social services specialists make in New York?
Social services specialists in New York earn a median of about $66,580 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $50,520 for the lowest 10% to over $95,590 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire social services specialists in New York?
Employers hiring social services specialists in New York right now include The Jewish Board, Bronxcare Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Center, and BestSelf Behavioral Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. New York's dense network of county departments of social services, large hospital systems, and established nonprofits means consistent openings throughout the year, not just seasonal surges.
Which New York cities have the most social services specialist jobs?
The cities with the most social services specialist openings in New York are Bronx, Brooklyn, and Buffalo. New York City leads by a wide margin because it is home to the country's largest municipal social services agency and a deep concentration of healthcare systems and nonprofit providers, while Buffalo and Albany draw significant hiring from county social services departments, state agencies, and regional health networks anchored in those metros.
Are there remote social services specialist jobs in New York?
Yes, but they're rare. Social services specialist work is largely client-facing and tied to in-person assessments, court appearances, and home visits, which limits remote arrangements significantly. About 8% of social services specialist openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those tend to be concentrated in administrative, eligibility review, or supervisory roles rather than direct casework positions.
How can I get hired as a social services specialist in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for an entry-level caseworker or benefits examiner title through a county department of social services, which regularly recruits new graduates through civil service lists in counties such as Erie, Monroe, and Westchester. Lateral moves from adjacent roles like community health worker, residential counselor, or case manager aide are common stepping stones at nonprofits such as Catholic Charities or Jewish Board. Completing a supervised field placement during your degree and obtaining a New York State background clearance before you apply gives candidates a measurable edge over equally educated but uncleared applicants.
Where can I find and apply to social services specialist jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to social services specialist jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across New York State. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, location, and area of focus, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 25 Social Services Specialist Jobs in New York
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