Youth Specialist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Massachusetts
Youth specialist visa sponsorship jobs in Massachusetts are concentrated in organizations serving youth across Greater Boston, Springfield, and Worcester. Employers like the YMCA of Greater Boston, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, and state-contracted human services agencies actively hire for these roles, which sit within Massachusetts's well-funded nonprofit and social services sector.
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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
Youth Specialist Job Roles in Massachusetts
See all Youth Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts
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Search Youth Specialist Jobs in MassachusettsYouth Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
Which visa types realistically fit youth specialist roles in Massachusetts?
Youth specialist positions are administrative and support roles that do not require a specialty-occupation degree, so H-1B visa, E-3 visa, and TN visa are not applicable. The most realistic options are F-1 OPT for recent graduates whose field of study relates to the role, J-1 visa for exchange visitors placed through a designated sponsor organization, and an employer-sponsored green card through the EB-3 skilled or unskilled worker category for longer-term paths.
Which companies sponsor visas for youth specialists in Massachusetts?
Visa sponsorship for youth specialists in Massachusetts comes primarily from large nonprofit organizations, state-contracted agencies, and municipal programs with established HR infrastructure. Organizations such as the YMCA of Greater Boston, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, and federally funded community action agencies have documented histories of sponsoring international workers, particularly through OPT and green card pathways for direct-service roles.
How to find youth specialist visa sponsorship jobs in Massachusetts?
Migrate Mate lists youth specialist positions at Massachusetts employers with verified sponsorship histories, so you can search specifically for roles open to international candidates rather than sorting through listings with no sponsorship information. Filtering by Massachusetts surfaces opportunities in Greater Boston, Worcester, and Springfield. Because youth specialist sponsorship most often comes through OPT or EB-3 green card, Migrate Mate's focus on verified sponsoring employers is particularly useful for narrowing your search.
Which cities in Massachusetts have the most youth specialist sponsorship jobs?
Greater Boston concentrates the highest number of youth specialist openings, driven by its density of nonprofits, university-affiliated outreach programs, and city-funded youth initiatives. Worcester is the second-largest hub, with community health organizations and Boys & Girls Clubs operating multiple sites. Springfield and Lowell also post consistent demand through state-contracted family services agencies that serve large youth populations and maintain HR teams experienced with work authorization.
Are there state-specific factors that affect visa sponsorship for youth specialists in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts funds youth services at above-average levels compared to most states, sustaining a large pool of nonprofit and government-contracted employers. The state's high concentration of colleges and universities creates a steady pipeline of F-1 students on OPT who pursue youth specialist roles as a bridge to social work or education careers. Organizations holding federal Head Start or AmeriCorps grants often have HR processes in place to support work authorization, making them worth prioritizing in your search.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored youth specialist jobs in Massachusetts?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.