Youth Development Specialist

Job Title: Young Minds Kings County Youth Development Specialist (Hanford, CA)

Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time, Temporary (April 2026-June 2026)

CHC MISSION:

Since 1982, the California Health Collaborative (CHC) has a long history of working with youth and their families through culturally responsive and community-centered public health programming. With a mission of “changing lives by improving health and wellness", CHC is committed to addressing and advocating for health justice among California’s underserved and underrepresented communities who have limited access to resources, and often face barriers related to culture, language, income, race, education, gender, geography, or immigration status.

SUMMARY:

Using a trauma-informed, healing-centered, and collaborative approach, Young Minds Kings County, funded by Kings County Behavioral Health, works with students from Pre-K through 12th grade, transitional-aged youth (ages 16–25), their families, school staff, and community members to provide a comprehensive set of school-based mental health prevention services.

With guidance from the Senior Director of Program Services, Program Manager, and Youth Engagement Specialist, and under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Youth Development Specialist supports the Young Minds Kings County team in implementing school-based, evidence-based curricula; family engagement initiatives; mindfulness practices; recreational activities; and trainings for school staff. In this role, the Youth Development Specialist helps ensure the delivery of community-centered, trauma-informed, and healing-centered approaches that effectively serve diverse youth and families throughout Kings County while promoting mental health and overall well-being.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Lead the planning and implementation of curriculum sessions focused on social skills, leadership development, and resiliency for youth ages 0–18.

2. Collaborate with project staff to adapt curriculum content to enhance cultural relevance.

3. Support the implementation of mindfulness practices across elementary, middle, and high school settings.

4. Collect, organize, and maintain all required documentation related to curriculum sessions and project activities in accordance with funding requirements.

5. Assist in planning school-based assemblies and youth summits that promote resilience, mindfulness, mental health awareness, and access to resources.

6. Co-facilitate school-based recreational and family engagement activities that strengthen protective factors and support youth and families impacted by trauma.

7. Partner with project staff to deliver trauma-informed trainings for parents and educators, promoting mindful and trauma-informed school environments.

8. Collaborate with the Program Manager and team members to compile participant data and contribute to progress reports, including key accomplishments and implementation challenges.

9. Support the recruitment and engagement of middle and high school youth in Kings County to inform planning of the annual Kings County Youth Summit.

10. Teach and model social skills, self-regulation strategies, and conflict resolution techniques.

11. Demonstrate and promote values of inclusivity, respect, and affirmation of all youth identities.

12. Work collaboratively with county administrators, project partners, and community members to ensure safe and effective program implementation.

13. Participate in trainings and conferences relevant to job responsibilities and funding requirements.

14. Collaborate across California Health Collaborative programs to increase awareness of services and streamline internal referral pathways, including Community Health Worker Navigation and related support programs, to enhance access and continuity of care for youth and their families.

15. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifying requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, judgment, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Community Health, Child Development, Social Work or a related field and a minimum of two years of experience working with a culturally diverse population of high-need youth in school-based prevention programs; Intermediate level group facilitation skills are also required.

This position also requires a valid California Driver’s License and proof of insurance.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately. Ability to document and summarize project activities in clear, concise written formats. Ability to share updates and observations during team meetings to support program improvement. Ability to communicate effectively with program staff, participants, parents, and community partners in culturally diverse settings, conveying information in a clear and accessible manner.

Bilingual skills in Spanish/English preferred.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to perform simple arithmetic calculations, such as would be required to establish totals for timecards, supplies requests, etc.

REASONING ABILITY:

Demonstrates sound judgment in planning and facilitating curriculum sessions and project activities, with the ability to thoughtfully respond to values-based questions from participants. Applies problem-solving skills to address practical challenges within established guidelines and program expectations.

Supports the creation of safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces for all youth by modeling and reinforcing best practices in positive youth development. Uses critical thinking to adapt approaches based on participant needs and evolving community conditions, including identifying when program guidelines may need adjustment.

Prioritizes resources effectively and objectively to support successful implementation of the project scope of work. Recognizes when to seek guidance and collaborate with the Program Manager and program staff to ensure informed and appropriate decision-making.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Demonstrates an understanding of positive youth development, inclusivity, and youth safety, with the ability to model these principles in interactions with program participants. Possesses an intermediate understanding of child development and resiliency, and effectively applies these concepts using current, best-practice approaches in youth development.

Demonstrates strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet established deadlines, while contributing as a reliable and collaborative team member.

Builds meaningful connections with youth, parents, and families from rural communities and diverse backgrounds. Communicates clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms.

Maintains the ability to travel and attend out-of-town meetings or conferences, including those requiring overnight stays.

Proficient in Microsoft Office, Canva, Adobe Acrobat, and other relevant software programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

This is a school-based program, and most activities take place in indoor settings such as classrooms or school campuses. Some community engagement activities may occur in outdoor recreational environments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 25 pounds, as well as communicate effectively through speaking and hearing. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate, with occasional periods of higher noise levels.

California Health Collaborative is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at HR@healthcollaborative.org.

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23