Youth Support Specialist

Pathway Caring for Children; Canton (OH); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Work Opportunities

Paid Holidays

Generous PTO and can earn additional

Free in-house CEUs

Licensure & Exam reimbursement

Paid training time

External training opportunities

Specialized certifications

Job summary

Pathway Caring for Children in Canton, OH is seeking a Youth Empowerment Specialist to support youth and families across home, school, community, and recreational settings.

You will build relationships, run therapeutic and skill-building activities, and coordinate with families and treatment teams while maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Ohio driver's license with a safe driving record.

Responsibilities

• Build meaningful relationships with children and teens.
• Engage youth in therapeutic, recreational, educational, and skill-building activities.
• Help youth strengthen coping skills, emotional regulation, and social development.
• Model positive behaviors, healthy communication, and supportive adult relationships.
• Provide supervision and transportation in accordance with treatment and safety plans.
• Maintain regular communication with parents, guardians, and team members.
• Support youth and families through appointments, transitions, and periods of increased need.
• Collaborate with therapists, case managers, and agency staff to ensure consistent support and services.
• Accurately document services, observations, and critical incidents.
• Complete required reports and service records according to agency standards.
• Assist with agency vehicle oversight, including monthly inspections, maintenance coordination, scheduling, and refueling.
• Participate in supervision, training, and team meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional ethical standards.
• Demonstrate Pathway's trauma-informed approach and commitment to youth safety.
• Represent Pathway's mission, values, and Unified Perspectives in all interactions.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship-building

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Canton, OH 44718

Why Work for Pathway Caring for Children?

Join Our Team

When you join Pathway Caring for Children, you're joining a mission-driven organization where your work makes a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. Together, we create opportunities for healing, growth, and hope while supporting one another through a culture built on compassion, respect, and continuous learning.

At Pathway Caring for Children, our work is guided by a simple but powerful purpose: helping children and families realize the possibilities of their lives through foster care, adoption, and mental health services. We believe in supporting our team just as much as we support the children and families we serve.

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible Scheduling - Life happens, and we understand. Eligible employees may adjust schedules within the work week based on job responsibilities and program needs.
• Hybrid Work Opportunities - Work remotely when appropriate while remaining connected to your team and clients.
• Paid Holidays
• Family-friendly
• Generous PTO and can earn additional PTO
• Professional Growth & development
• Promote from within
• Free in-house CEUs
• Licensure & Exam reimbursement
• Paid training time
• External training opportunities
• Specialized certifications
• Supportive leadership

Youth Empowerment Specialist

Make a Difference Every Day in the Lives of Youth and Families

Are you passionate about helping young people build confidence, develop life skills, and reach their full potential? At Pathway, we believe every child deserves caring support, meaningful connections, and opportunities to succeed. As a Youth Empowerment Specialist, you will play a vital role in helping children, teens, and families thrive through strengths-based mentoring, behavioral health support, and positive relationship-building.

This rewarding position provides services in homes, communities, schools, and recreational settings, helping youth develop coping skills, improve social-emotional well-being, and achieve individualized goals. You'll work alongside a supportive team while making a real impact in the lives of those we serve.

If you are compassionate, energetic, and committed to empowering youth, we'd love to meet you!

What You'll Do

Support & Empower Youth

• Build meaningful, supportive relationships with children and teens.
• Engage youth in therapeutic, recreational, educational, and skill-building activities.
• Help youth strengthen coping skills, emotional regulation, and social development.
• Model positive behaviors, healthy communication, and supportive adult relationships.
• Provide supervision and transportation in accordance with treatment and safety plans.

Partner with Families & Treatment Teams

• Maintain regular communication with parents, guardians, and team members.
• Support youth and families through appointments, transitions, and periods of increased need.
• Collaborate with therapists, case managers, and agency staff to ensure consistent support and services.

Documentation & Program Support

• Accurately document services, observations, and critical incidents.
• Complete required reports and service records according to agency standards.
• Assist with agency vehicle oversight, including monthly inspections, maintenance coordination, scheduling, and refueling responsibilities.

Professional Excellence

• Participate in supervision, training, and team meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional ethical standards.
• Demonstrate Pathway's trauma-informed approach and commitment to youth safety.
• Represent Pathway's mission, values, and Unified Perspectives in all interactions.

QualificationsWhat We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Ohio driver's license
• Safe driving record
• Reliable transportation and current automotive insurance

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of experience working with children, adolescents, or families
• Experience supporting youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs

The Ideal Candidate

You are someone who:

• Believes in the strengths and potential of every young person.
• Uses a trauma-informed, compassionate approach when working with youth and families.
• Values humility, equity, and respectful service.
• Can effectively engage youth in home, school, community, and recreational settings.
• Has strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Enjoys being active, creative, and involved in helping youth succeed.