PAL Specialist

DePelchin Children’s Center•Houston, TX

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Specialist provides hope-centered services, life-skills development, and transition support to youth and young adults preparing for adulthood and independent living. Using a youth-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, the specialist helps young people identify strengths, set meaningful goals, build pathways to success, and develop the skills, resources, and relationships needed for self-sufficiency and long-term well-being. The role collaborates with caregivers, Texans Together staff, providers, educational institutions, employers, housing resources, and community partners to connect youth with opportunities and supportive relationships. The position is full-time and non-exempt, reports to the PAL Supervisor, and serves Regions 6a and/or 6b, with specific work locations to be assigned as staffing plans are finalized. Work is office-based and includes frequent interaction with children, families, stakeholders, providers, and governmental agencies. Work may involve emotionally challenging, crisis-oriented, or high-stress situations. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; occasional evening, weekend, and after-hours responsibilities may be necessary. Frequent travel across Harris County and the 12-county service region is required, and reliable transportation is required.

Requirements

At least two years of experience working with youth, young adults, child welfare, foster care, independent living services, education, workforce development, case management, or a related human services field.
At least two years of experience in child welfare, foster care, kinship care, family preservation, family support services, case management, or a related human services field.
Knowledge of adolescent development, positive youth development, and transition-age youth services.
Knowledge of Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) services, independent living principles, and youth transition planning.
Knowledge of educational, vocational, housing, employment, financial, healthcare, and community resources available to youth and young adults.
Knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, youth-centered, and hope-centered practices.
Willingness to learn the Science of Hope and its application to youth development and independent living services.
Skill in engaging, motivating, mentoring, and coaching youth and young adults.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Skill in facilitating life-skills training, workshops, and group activities.
Skill in problem-solving, resource coordination, and relationship building.
Ability to help youth identify goals, develop realistic pathways, and strengthen confidence in achieving success.
Ability to advocate for youth needs and connect youth to resources and opportunities.
Ability to work effectively with youth, caregivers, providers, employers, educators, and community stakeholders.
Ability to maintain accurate documentation, organize work effectively, and meet established deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, IMPACT, and electronic documentation systems.
Reliable transportation; frequent travel across Harris County and the 12-county service region is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing life-skills training, youth engagement, mentoring, or transition services.
Experience working with adolescents and young adults from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Provide PAL services to eligible youth and young adults in accordance with program requirements and established timelines.
Engage youth in identifying strengths, goals, interests, and aspirations related to education, careers, housing, financial stability, health, and supportive relationships.
Deliver life-skills training, coaching, and individualized support to promote independence, self-advocacy, decision-making, and personal responsibility.
Assist youth in developing transition plans with goals, resources, support systems, and action steps for adulthood.
Promote youth voice, choice, and active participation in service planning and decision-making.
Provide guidance on post-secondary education, workforce development, vocational training, scholarships, financial aid, employment, and career readiness.
Help youth develop life skills in budgeting, financial literacy, housing readiness, transportation planning, healthcare management, communication, and conflict resolution.
Connect youth to PAL resources, community programs, benefits, housing assistance, mentoring, and supportive services.
Build relationships with employers, educational institutions, housing providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to expand opportunities for youth.
Coordinate and facilitate youth conferences, workshops, experiential learning, and other PAL activities that support growth, connection, leadership, and independence.
Encourage healthy relationships, lifelong connections, and supportive adult networks that foster belonging and resilience.
Collaborate with caseworkers, caregivers, providers, educators, and community partners to support youth goals and address barriers to successful transitions.
Help youth identify and overcome barriers involving education, employment, housing, transportation, financial stability, and access to resources.
Maintain timely, accurate, and complete documentation of services, contacts, assessments, referrals, progress, and outcomes.
Track youth participation, progress, and service outcomes to support program effectiveness and continuous improvement.