Youth Leadership and Engagement Specialist

sermetro•Detroit, MI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Leadership and Engagement Specialist manages SER’s youth leadership councils, alumni engagement, and service-learning teams. The role encourages and mentors program participants to take part in service-learning and civic engagement while developing skills to represent themselves effectively. The Specialist oversees leadership development programming for opportunity youth in SER’s high school, GED, and out-of-school programs. The Specialist plans leadership and community-engagement activities, coordinates civic advocacy experiences, facilitates youth-led initiatives, and mentors participants in self-advocacy, decision-making, public speaking, and leadership. The position also supports core youth development programming, recruitment outreach, recordkeeping, and transportation and chaperoning for activities. The position is full-time, regular, and non-exempt/hourly, based at the Youth Reengagement Center (Southwest) and Samaritan Center (East). It reports to the Director of Education and Vocations/Superintendent and has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Associate degree in a related field and at least three years of experience working with youth, or a four-year degree in a human-services-related field.
At least three years of experience and knowledge of best practices in youth development.
At least three years of work experience in a customer-service- or community-service-oriented environment.
Commitment to sharing expertise to assist in the skill development of program youth.
Working knowledge of local community services and agencies.
Ability to take initiative, solve problems, and work independently.
Dependability, a positive attitude, and ability to respond productively to change.
Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with staff, participants, volunteers, and partner agencies.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Computer skills to maintain databases, create reports, and develop program materials.
Mental ability to handle pressures related to multiple individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of need.
Valid Michigan Driver’s License and reliable transportation for required visits and off-site travel.
Ability to obtain a Michigan Chauffeur license and willingness to operate a 10–14 passenger van to transport participants.
Must obtain an AmeriCorps background check and official clearance within 30 days of employment.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, and travel for legislative days.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute leadership activities, community engagement opportunities, and team-building sessions for youth participants.
Coordinate civic engagement initiatives, including Legislative Days at the city, state, and national levels.
Coordinate and facilitate SER’s Youth Leadership Council(s), supporting youth voice, participation, and development.
Coach youth using a consistent, strength-based approach to foster self-confidence, accountability, and resilience.
Prepare youth to engage with policymakers, share their stories, and advocate on issues affecting their communities.
Coordinate youth-led community projects, program events, and peer recognition activities.
Facilitate advocacy and public-speaking opportunities, including preparation for events.
Mentor students in developing voice, self-advocacy, and decision-making capacity.
Meet regularly with youth leadership members and program alumni to maintain engagement and continuity.
Represent SER Metro-Detroit and its subsidiaries at local and national events with youth participants.
Model positive leadership and ethical conduct while guiding youth participants.
Maintain accurate records of youth activities, attendance, and engagement in online databases and internal systems.
Support youth development programming, including Challenge Week, service learning, peer leadership, and orientation.
Transport and chaperone participants to activities, and provide transportation as requested.
Support recruitment outreach by participating in events and connecting with prospective youth.
Perform other duties as assigned.