Youth Community Support Specialist

About US:

Join Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families throughout our community. As a mission-driven healthcare organization, we are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to those who need it most. We offer rewarding healthcare careers, competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive, collaborative culture. If you are seeking a career that provides purpose and opportunity, Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers is the place to grow, make a difference, and build a rewarding future.

Employee Perks:

• Affordable Medical & Prescription Drug Benefits
• Healthcare/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental & Vision
• PTO & Sick Time Accrual
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 401K Employer Match up to 4%
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Employer Paid Long-Term Disability
• Legal Plan/ Plus Parent Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discount Programs for Travel, Entertainment, Childcare, Auto & More

About the Role:

The Youth Community Support Specialist plays a vital role in fostering the well-being and development of young individuals within the community. This position focuses on providing direct support, guidance, and resources to youth facing social, emotional, or economic challenges, helping them to build resilience and achieve personal goals. The specialist collaborates with families, schools, and community organizations to create a supportive network that promotes positive youth engagement and empowerment. By assessing individual needs and coordinating appropriate interventions, the role aims to enhance the overall quality of life and future prospects for young people. Ultimately, the Youth Community Support Specialist contributes to building a stronger, healthier community by advocating for youth and facilitating access to essential services and opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education, or a related human services field.
• Experience working directly with youth in community, educational, or social service settings.
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and the challenges faced by diverse youth populations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with youth and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and maintain detailed documentation in a confidential manner.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related discipline.
• Certification in youth counseling, case management, or trauma-informed care.
• Experience working with at-risk or marginalized youth populations.
• Familiarity with local community resources, social service systems, and educational programs.
• Proficiency in a second language relevant to the community served.

Responsibilities:

• Engage with youth to assess their needs, strengths, and challenges through one-on-one interactions and group activities.
• Develop and implement individualized support plans that address educational, social, emotional, and health-related goals.
• Coordinate with schools, healthcare providers, social services, and community organizations to connect youth with relevant resources and programs.
• Facilitate workshops and group sessions focused on life skills, leadership development, and community involvement.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, progress, and outcomes while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with organizational policies.
• Advocate on behalf of youth to remove barriers and promote equitable access to services and opportunities.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Skills:

The Youth Community Support Specialist utilizes strong communication skills daily to effectively engage with youth, families, and partner organizations, ensuring clear understanding and collaboration. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for assessing individual needs and developing tailored support plans that address complex challenges. Organizational skills enable the specialist to manage multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining accurate and confidential records. Empathy and cultural competence are applied consistently to build trust and provide respectful, inclusive support to diverse youth populations. Additionally, advocacy skills are employed to navigate systems and remove barriers, empowering youth to access necessary resources and opportunities for growth.