Youth Specialist II (4030)

Youth Guidance • Homestead, PA

2d

About The Position

Youth Guidance is a provider of outcomes-driven programs that help young people overcome obstacles, focus on education, and succeed in school and life. The Youth Specialist II guides young men in grades 7–12 to develop and practice social skills, make responsible decisions, and become positive members of their school and community through the BAM-FI program.

The role works with school staff and Youth Guidance colleagues to recruit and support participants, facilitate groups, provide individualized and counseling support, and deliver the program in accordance with its curriculum and protocols. It also involves documentation, staff development and supervision, budget and event planning, collaboration with families and school stakeholders, and support for Saturday Academy recruitment and participation. The position includes occasional local travel and may involve participation in youth sports activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an approved accredited university in social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, or a similar related field.
• At least two years of youth engagement experience.
• At least two years of experience providing supervised group counseling.
• Knowledge of psychological concepts such as CBT, clinical processing, modeling, and group development.
• Completion of BAM curriculum training.
• Commitment to continuous improvement of service quality and the organization’s mission.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders.
• Succinct written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to function well in group and team settings.
• Interpersonal skills demonstrating cultural sensitivity and respect for differences.
• Ability to pass criminal background and sex offender checks.
• Willingness to occasionally participate in youth sports activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related human service field from an approved accredited university and one year of youth engagement experience.
• LPC or LSW, or eligibility for either credential.
• LCPC, LCSW, or LMFT.
• Knowledge of advanced psychological concepts such as CBT, clinical processing, and group development.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Program Supervisor and school administration to recruit and build relationships with up to 60 school-based youth for the BAM-FI program.
• Lead and facilitate 4–5 weekly BAM-FI groups during the school day using youth engagement, clinical counseling, and men’s rites-of-passage skills.
• Provide individualized support to BAM-FI participants and provide individual, family, and crisis counseling to students as needed.
• Attend monthly staff development trainings and team meetings about the BAM-FI evidence-based curriculum and other topics relevant to working with youth.
• Participate in supervision and coaching to support fidelity of program delivery.
• Document interactions with youth, including group and individual case notes, clinical assessments, brief encounters, special events, program consents, pre/post surveys, and monthly program narratives, following program protocols.
• Work with the Program Supervisor to manage an annual program budget and plan and execute field trips and special events during the school year and summer.
• Collaborate with school administration, teachers, and other Youth Guidance programs to provide and participate in professional development sessions.
• Collaborate or coordinate services with the Local School Council, the Youth Guidance Parent Family Engagement team, and the school parent engagement team.
• Partner with the school’s designated Program Specialist on Saturday Academy recruitment and promotion, encourage student enrollment and participation, and maintain a required monthly on-site presence at one Saturday Academy session.

Benefits

• Eligible full-time employees may participate in medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Short-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Pet insurance.
• 401(k).
• Wellness program.
• Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level