Pathways for Change, Inc. is conducting a search for a full-time, Youth Outreach Specialist. Interested candidates should contact Amparo Cruz, Director of Education & Outreach, Pathways for Change, Inc., 588 Main St., Worcester, MA 01608-2014 or via email.

Pathways for Change, Inc. ( Pathways ) is an Agency serving diverse communities within Central Massachusetts including the Greater Worcester, Southbridge, Fitchburg and Gardner areas. Our mission is to provide comprehensive services to survivors of sexual violence and their significant others as well as education geared toward ending violence. Pathways embraces a feminist philosophy in all of its work. Our services within our Counseling program include a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, individual counseling, support groups, and medical & legal advocacy. Through our Outreach program we provide street outreach, prevention education, professional training, the Worcester County Clothesline Project, and outreach activities. Our work is based on the experiences of Survivors of sexual violence and our commitment to diversity and accessibility to multicultural communities.

The Youth Outreach Specialist specifically works to provide street outreach services to runaway, homeless and street youth throughout the Central Massachusetts region and to develop the peer leadership potential of youth in addressing the male culture of violence, and particularly sexual violence towards women and children. Often programs focus on how women and girls can avoid abuse by boyfriends or husbands or sexual assault by strangers or acquaintances. While this work is valuable, these are risk-reduction, not prevention strategies: they teach women and girls how to avoid victimization, but they don’t work to reduce the number of males who use violence. Pathways works to engage middle school, high school, and college aged youth throughout Central Massachusetts in the primary education regarding sexual & dating violence, harassment, and bullying. The training is focused on an innovative "bystander" model that empowers each adoescent to take an active role in promoting a positive peer culture. This position will educate youth regarding the services that Pathways provides and assist in identifying, referring and serving young survivors of sexual violence.

Desired Qualifications (Primary):

* Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License, reliable transportation and clean driving record.
* Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a professional manner. Strong oral presentation and public speaking skills.
* Certification in sexual assault counseling, (or ability and willingness to obtain) required. (Pathways will provide)
*Knowledge of the developmental factors contributing to the incidence of sexual violence within the adolescent community, preferred.
* Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task and successfully meet deadlines.
* Ability to work flexible schedule including some early mornings, nights and weekends.

Pathways for Change, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to core values of inclusion, empowerment and social justice. As a multicultural organization, we actively encourage applicants who represent the broadest range of cultural, ethnic and economic diversity to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, HIV status, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or children, past involvement in a discrimination complaint, veteran status, genetic information, status as a recipient of public assistance, or any other criteria protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• On call
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: On the road