What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Specialist position at Groundbreakers, Kids Crossing?
Groundbreakers provides healing and training with youth for a productive life. We work with boys and girls ages 14–17 who have experienced tough beginnings—and we're looking for passionate, hands-on people to join us in making a difference
What We Do
Our approach is simple but powerful:
- 50% Healing through creative, movement-based therapeutic activities
- 50% Work Ethic Development through real-world job training
Healing happens through things like:
Clay modeling, painting, and music production
Culinary arts and coffee/customer service
Bicycle repair and life skills coaching
Work ethic is built through:
Landscaping projects for real clients
Specialized training
Career Readiness
About the Role
As a Youth Specialist, you'll lead and participate in daily activities with our youth—everything from art and cooking to working alongside them on job sites. You’ll also support healing through trauma-informed care, using Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®), which we will train you in fully.
This is a very active role—expect to be outdoors, moving, and fully present with the youth each day.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead small group sessions in hands-on healing activities
- Support youth on landscaping crews (no experience required)
- Create fun, engaging moments throughout the day
- Use trauma-informed approaches and TBRI to build trust and emotional safety
- Track and report youth progress
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher (required)
- 2 years experience working with at-risk youth or families
- Physically active and comfortable with outdoor labor and recreational play
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Able to work as part of a close-knit, mission-driven team
- Skilled with technology (email, Microsoft Office, basic data entry)
- Must complete a Kids Crossing employment application.
- Must pass a CBI & FBI and Central Registry background investigation.
· Kids Crossing requires employees to use their own vehicles for transporting clients and conducting business. Therefore, this employee must possess a valid drivers license, have a clean driving record, maintain a safe vehicle and current automobile insurance to cover business use of a private vehicle. (If employee is unsure about the extent of his/her automobile insurance coverage, employee should contact his/her insurance agent.)
Schedule
During the School Year:
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday–Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Summer Schedule:
- Tuesday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Benefits
- 401(k) with match
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life Insurance & HSA
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development support
- Mileage Reimbursement
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $23.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $23 - $24