Youth Development Specialist

Queens Community House; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established community organization is seeking a dedicated Youth Development Specialist to empower students at Junior High School 145. In this impactful role, you will provide essential support services, including mentorship and career readiness workshops, to help students navigate their academic and career paths. You will collaborate with educators and families to ensure students achieve their goals while maintaining accurate records of their progress. This position offers a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young individuals, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Join a passionate team committed to social justice and community empowerment.

Benefits

Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

403b retirement plan

Up to 27 days of annual leave

12 sick days

Paid family leave

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in psychology, education, or social work.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with youth in a NYC high school setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide support services to students for internships and post-secondary education.
• Conduct outreach and maintain student engagement through individual sessions.

Skills

Youth Mentorship

Career Readiness Workshops

Academic Advisement

Community Engagement

Computer Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Education, or Social Work

Tools

Google Forms

Job description

About Queens Community House (QCH)

Queens Community House (QCH) is a multi-site, multi-service settlement house dedicated to serving the vibrant and diverse population of Queens. Through a wide range of programs and services, we empower children, youth, adults, and older adults to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities. Our team is united by a shared commitment to social justice and individual empowerment. We value diverse backgrounds and experiences and invite those inspired by our mission to join us in making a meaningful impact.

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate Youth Development Specialist to join our team at Junior High School 145. In this role, you will provide comprehensive support services to students, preparing them for internships, employment, and post-secondary education. By offering individual mentorship, career readiness workshops, and college awareness activities, you’ll empower students to create and achieve their academic and career goals. The Youth Development Specialist reports directly to the YABC Program Director.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support & Career Readiness

• Conduct regular outreach, including home and worksite visits, to maintain student engagement.
• Guide students in creating and implementing post-secondary plans for college, training, or employment within 60 days of enrollment.
• Conduct bi-monthly individual sessions for each student, focusing on academic progress and career advisement.
• Facilitate advisory groups and workshops on topics such as job readiness, career exploration, leadership, community service, and conflict resolution.

Academic Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between students and teachers to monitor academic progress and facilitate structured meetings.
• Discuss report cards and grades during counseling sessions to ensure students stay on track.
• Plan and lead monthly college visits and assist students in the CUNY and FAFSA application processes.

Family & Community Engagement

• Maintain open communication with parents and guardians to support students’ success.
• Connect students with external resources and make referrals when necessary.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate case files and record student interventions weekly using Google Forms.
• Prepare for bi-weekly supervisory meetings with an organized agenda.
• Participate in agency-wide meetings, training sessions, and parent-teacher conferences.

Additional Duties

• Collaborate with DOE staff and demonstrate flexibility in addressing school needs.
• Support graduates through follow-ups and referrals to the CASP Retention Specialist as needed.
• Undertake other projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in psychology, education, social work, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with youth, ideally in a NYC high school setting.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Full-time schedule: Monday to Thursday (1:00 PM–9:00 PM) and Friday (9:00 AM–5:00 PM), with flexibility for school events, home visits, and trainings.

What We Offer

Queens Community House provides a competitive salary based on experience, along with a robust benefits package:

• Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Financial Security: Life insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA), and a 403b retirement plan.
• Time Off: Up to 27 days of annual leave (17 days in your first year), 12 sick days, and specified federal holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid family leave with full pay during approved leave.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, networking, and career growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Queens Community House is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates individuals of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Join us in transforming lives and building stronger communities—apply today!