Youth Development Specialist

ACTION-Housing, Inc.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

ACTION-Housing, Inc. in Pittsburgh is seeking a Youth Development Specialist to coach residents toward self‑sufficiency while ensuring building safety and upkeep.

The role involves documenting activities, supporting life skills, conducting intakes, and performing regular inspections in a nonprofit housing setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social services or equivalent experience.
• Experience mentoring youth or similar populations is preferred.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills required.

Responsibilities

• Document client activities and progress in files and logs.
• Lead weekly life-skill sessions and assist with job searches.
• Conduct daily safety checks and maintain housing space upkeep.
• Perform client intakes/discharges and inspect apartments.
• Sign clients in/out and maintain daily records.

Skills

Mentoring

Communication

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in social services

High school diploma with 3-5 years social work

Tools

MS Office

Job description

As Pittsburgh’s largest non‑profit developer, ACTION‑Housing exists to help people improve their lives by offering quality, affordable housing. We pride ourselves on helping all of our clients to achieve more self‑sufficient lives. Since 1957, we’ve assisted a wide array of populations throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania, focusing on those generally underserved by traditional services including senior citizens, veterans, individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, individuals on the autism spectrum, and youths who have aged out of foster care.

Job Summary

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) provides ongoing support by coaching residents to become self‑sufficient productive members of society while ensuring the building’s safety and upkeep.

Essential Functions

• Document client activities and behaviors in client files and communication logs
• Produce case notes including daily progress
• Sign clients in and out of the facility
• Conduct daily security checks
• Maintain housekeeping, safety, and general upkeep for client living spaces
• Meet with clients to conduct weekly life skill lessons
• Create a monthly grocery list with clients
• Conduct weekly apartment inspections
• Conduct client intakes and discharges
• Review program rules and expectationsShow facility layout including the client’s living space, laundry area, provide bedding, towels, hygiene products, and food if necessary
• Assist clients with conducting job searches
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social services discipline required or High school diploma/equivalent with 3-5 years social work experience
• Experience working with youth in a mentoring aspect

Required Skills/Abilities

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with clients and team members
• Maintaining a physically and emotionally safe environment
• Ensure that program rules and expectations are carried out consistently
• Ability to relate to young people from diverse backgrounds
• Good communication skills including the ability to listen

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Office and apartment building environment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer, and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
• The employee frequently is required to walk around and inspect the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

EEO CLAUSE

ACTION‑Housing, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.