Youth Peer Support & Engagement Specialist

Breakthrough; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical—group health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) plan

FSA Section 125 plan

Vacation days

Personal days

Sick days

Job summary

Breakthrough is seeking a Peer Support Worker, B2OF, to collaborate with Breakthrough Beyond, Violence Prevention, and Behavioral Health teams in Chicago. You will provide culturally relevant outreach and support for youth aged 13–21.

The role requires a 40-hour week with flexible evenings and weekends. The position emphasizes engagement, data entry in Salesforce, and building ISP plans with youth and families.

Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma/GED with lived experience or 2 years of youth development experience.
• Has lived experience with firearm violence or community exposure.
• Willingness to learn nonviolence, restorative justice and trauma-informed practices.
• Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with youth and facilitate team building.
• Engage youth in wrap-around services with agency and partners.
• Gained trust and maintain engagement of youth participants.
• Develop and implement strategies to retain youth in the program.
• Assist with data collection and entry into Salesforce.
• Support documentation and reporting of youth services activities.
• Coordinate with Behavioral Health staff and participate in workshops and events.
• Conduct home visits for recruitment and re-engagement.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

Breakthrough is seeking a Peer Support Worker, B2OF, to collaborate with Breakthrough Beyond, Violence Prevention, and Behavioral Health teams in Chicago. You will provide culturally relevant outreach and support for youth aged 13–21.

The role requires a 40-hour week with flexible evenings and weekends. The position emphasizes engagement, data entry in Salesforce, and building ISP plans with youth and families.