Youth Specialist II

Youth Guidance; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k

PSLF eligibility

Wellness program

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Youth Guidance in Pasadena, CA seeks a BAM Youth Specialist II to guide male-identifying students in grades 7–12 through social skills and positive decision-making. You will use trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches while leading groups and providing individualized support.

The role collaborates with school staff, administers assessments and notes, and helps coordinate wraparound services. A bachelor’s degree in a related field and 2+ years in youth programs are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Minimum of two years in youth engagement.
• Minimum of two years of supervised group counseling.
• Licensure (LPC/LSW/LMFT) or eligibility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate 4–5 weekly BAM groups during the school day.
• Provide individualized, clinically informed support and counseling.
• Deliver trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate support.
• Participate in staff development and supervision.
• Coordinate with school staff and external service providers.
• Document interactions and program narratives.

Skills

Effective communication

Group counseling

Cultural sensitivity

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary:Becoming A Man (BAM) Youth Specialist II’s are responsible for guiding young male identifying youth in grades 7 – 12 to learn, internalize, and practice social skills, make responsible decisions for their future, and become positive members of their school and community. Drawing on their academic training in psychology, social work, or counseling, BAM Youth Specialist II’s use evidence-informed practices, trauma-informed engagement, and culturally responsive approaches to support the personal growth of youth. Through group sessions and individualized support as needed, BAM Youth Specialist II’s help youth build the mindsets, values, and skills needed to navigate adolescence and thrive as healthy, responsible young menWe are seeking Youth Specialist IIs to support programming across LA Unified School District (LAUSD) and Compton Unified School District (CUSD). Current openings are based on specific school sites within these districts.Essential Duties/Responsibilities:Work in collaboration with BAM Program Supervisor, Curriculum Specialist, and school administration to identify, recruit and build relationships with up to 60 school-based youth to participate in the BAM.Lead and facilitate 4 – 5 weekly BAM groups during the school day, utilizing youth engagement, clinical counseling, and rites of passage/interpersonal work skillsProvide individualized, clinically informed support to all BAM participants, and provide individual, family, and crisis counseling sessions to students on an as-needed basis.Provide trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate support to BAM participants, including one-on-one check-ins, case management, and goal setting as needed.Participate in monthly staff development training and team meetings on the evidence-based BAM curriculum and other topics relevant to working with youth.Participate in supervision and coaching to ensure fidelity of program delivery.Deliver crisis intervention, risk assessments, and short-term individual interventions to students as needed, in alignment with best practices in adolescent mental health care and school-based clinical protocols.Document all interactions with youth, including group and individual case notes, clinical assessments, brief encounters, special events, program consents, pre/post surveys, and monthly program narratives based on program protocol.Work jointly with BAM Regional Manager to manage an annual program budget to plan and execute field trips and special events for students throughout the school year and summer.Collaborate with school administration, teachers, and other Youth Guidance programs to provide, and participate in professional development sessions.Collaborate with school staff, caregivers, and external service providers to coordinate aftercare planning, including wraparound supports, facilitating referrals to mental health or community-based services, and ensuring continuity of care for youth.Collaborate and/or coordinate services with the Youth Guidance Parent Family Engagement team, and school-parent engagement team.Participate in Journey to Self-Discovery Rites of Passage TrainingOther duties as assignedEducation/Experience/TrainingBachelor’s degree required from an approved accredited university in the field of social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, or similar related fieldMinimum of two years of youth engagement experience.Minimum of two years of experience providing supervised group counseling.LPC, LSW, or eligibility preferred. LCPC, LCSW or LMFT plus.Skills/AbilitiesKnowledge of psychological concepts (e.g. CBT, Clinical Processing, Modeling and Group Development)Ability to commit to working in community or school-based environmentsAbility to commit to the continuous improvement of service quality and the organization’s missionEffective communication skills: Written and verbalAbility to function well in group and team settingsAbility to demonstrate interpersonal skills that excel in cultural sensitivity and respect for differencesExperience working in youth post-secondary development/career development a plusWillingness to occasionally participate in youth sports activitiesProficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (outlook, word, excel, power point)Core CompetenciesCommunication: Uses effective written and oral communication with internal staff, teams, and community served; demonstrates empathy and listeningClient orientation: Recognizes needs of diverse stakeholders and approaches relationships with a service orientation, to ultimately maximize the impactEquity mindset: Understands and is committed to goals of equity, consistently brings an equity mindset to the organization’s work and workplaceGrowth mindset: Views growth as important for personal and professional development; seeks out opportunities to expand skills, even if the change is required, demonstrates curiosity and eagerness to learnOwnership and quality of work: Effectively manages own work, and work of the team to ensure delivery of high-quality workSupervisory skills: Effectively manages and develops othersMission drive: Demonstrates commitment to the missing of the organization as a whole and alignment with organization valuesPhysical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functionsBenefitsYouth Guidance offers a competitive benefit package for eligible full-time employees including the option to participate in medical, dental, and vision plans as well as short-term disability, life insurance, flex spending accounts, pet insurance, 401k, a wellness program and more. You may also quality for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).Compensation$69,000-$75,000Pay is determined by your educational background, licensure, and relevant professional experience.Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Occasional local travelOur ValuesAt Youth Guidance, we believe that creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected is fundamental to realizing our vision of bright and successful futures for all young people. We acknowledge that many systems and institutions intended to support youth do not provide fair treatment or access for everyone. We strive to celebrate the unique qualities of youth and recognize them as empowered leaders, problem-solvers, and experts of their own experiences.Youth Guidance is an equal opportunity employer. Youth Guidance does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law and is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.