Youth Service Specialist

CJR•Meriden, CT

5d•$45,000 - $45,000•Onsite

About The Position

Join Our Team as a Youth Service Specialist Locations: Meriden, CT Position: Full-Time (35 hours/week) at $45,000 per year Job #445 Are you passionate about empowering youth and strengthening communities? We’re seeking a dynamic, Youth Service Specialist to be a vital connector and motivator in the lives of young people. If you thrive in a diverse, collaborative environment and want to create meaningful change, this is your opportunity! What You’ll Do: As a Youth Service Specialist, you’ll wear two impactful hats: Resource Connector: Act as a bridge to community services by researching, maintaining, and nurturing relationships with grassroots agencies, health providers, and community organizations across Meriden, CT. Your efforts will help youth and families access vital resources and support networks. Intervention Facilitator: Lead engaging cognitive-behavioral and Life Skills groups tailored to youth’s needs, such as Girls Circle, Seeking Safety, and Reasoning & Rehabilitation. Your work will foster resilience, positive decision-making, and life skills that set young people up for success.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in a related field to the position, or at least 2 years’ working with at-risk youth, community-based programs, youth and family services, or related experience
Community Knowledge & Engagement Skills: Strong connections within local communities and effective relationship-building abilities.
Personal Qualities: Credibility, excellent communication, teamwork, and a genuine passion for youth development.
Valid Driver’s License: driver's license is required to utilize a company provided vehicle.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain a comprehensive database of community resources across the catchment area, including mental health, medical, youth programs, and grassroots organizations.
Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with community service providers to facilitate seamless access to resources for youth and families.
Serve as a resource and support for Juvenile Probation Officers and other stakeholders seeking information about local community services.
Facilitate evidence-based cognitive-behavioral groups such as Girls Circle, The Council for Boys and Young Men, MET/CBT, Aggression Replacement Training, and Seeking Safety for adolescents.
Lead Life Skills groups that teach youth practical skills to manage stress, challenges, and everyday life situations effectively.
Engage youth and families with culturally responsive, respectful communication to foster trust and promote meaningful connections.
Document community outreach efforts and connections to ensure accurate tracking and follow-up.
Promote ethical practices and teamwork, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to the organization’s mission in all interactions.
Collaborate closely with Family Advocates, coordinate programming schedules, assist with summer initiatives, and provide transportation to ensure youth participation.

Benefits

Low-cost Medical Insurance Plan option
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance offered after 30 days of employment
Company Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Generous Paid Vacation Package (unused time eligible for carry over)
Generous Paid Sick Time (unused time eligible for carry over)
Paid Holiday Time (separate from vacation time)
Floating Holidays (separate from paid vacation time and paid holiday time)
Annual monetary incentives
Tuition Assistance
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
Career Growth Opportunities
Company Celebrations & Employee Recognition Program
Employee discounts (cell phone, computer)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Employer Federal Student Aid
10%-20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance