Youth and Education Specialist

Job Summary: Under limited supervision, the Youth and Education Specialist designs, delivers, and evaluates youth development, literacy, and leadership programs that empower young people to thrive academically, socially, and civically. This role is responsible for facilitating evidence-based educational and leadership initiatives, building strong relationships with youth and families, and collaborating with community partners to advance LAHC’s mission. The Specialist creates safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environments that foster youth voice, career readiness, and lifelong learning. Routine contact with internal and external stakeholders is required to create programs that empower youth to become active and confident members of their communities. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develop, coordinate, and deliver engaging literacy classes, academic enrichment activities, and skill-building workshops for youth.
• Facilitate youth leadership to build confidence, advocacy skills, and civic awareness.
• Integrate career exploration, workplace skills, and mentoring into youth programs to support postsecondary success.
• Support the Program Director and Manager in developing innovative, responsive youth programs that address diverse developmental, academic, and social-emotional needs.
• Increase visibility of youth programs through creative engagement, presentations, and community events.
• Cultivate trusting, supportive relationships with youth while modeling healthy boundaries and mentorship.
• In collaboration with local organizations, schools and stakeholders, support day-to-day delivery and logistics of all youth programs to ensure high-quality enrichment opportunities and experiences. 
• Guide youth in designing and leading advocacy, service-learning, and youth-voice initiatives.
• Recruit, train, and supervise youth volunteers; support youth-led service projects and community engagement activities.
• Maintain strong communication with caregivers, teachers, and partners to coordinate support for youth and strengthen wraparound services.
• Conduct community needs assessments to identify responsive, culturally relevant programming.
• Ensure all programming reflects trauma-informed, inclusive practices and adheres to organizational policies.
• Accurately track program participation, progress, and outcomes; prepare required documentation for grants and internal evaluation.
• Create organized schedules, maintain accurate program documentation, and support evaluation with notes, attendance logs, photos, and other materials
• Assist with promotion and management of the LAHC Scholarship Program, including evaluating and screening youth applications.
• Build strong connections with schools, families, and community partners to expand access and increase participation in youth programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners to support resources, collaboration, and potential funding.
• Maintains regular and consistent attendance.
• Operates standard office equipment and uses required software applications. 
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Youth development, educational best practices, and leadership programming.

Skill in:

• Group facilitation, public speaking, and relationship-building.
• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications, including Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Bilingual skills are highly desirable

 Ability to:

• Adjust hours based on programming schedules. 
• Work with youth, young adults, and caregivers in diverse settings.
• Adapt to the unique needs and challenges of each participant.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of professionals.
• Adhere to ethical standards and principles. 
• Commit to maintaining client confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Incorporate needs, wants and goals from different perspectives into effective programs. 
• Incite enthusiasm and influence, motivate and persuade others to achieve desired outcomes 
• Gather information, identify linkages and trends and apply findings to assignments.
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines. 
• Develop trusting relationships with both youth and their families 
• Work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Youth Development, or a related field. Minimum of one (1) year experience working with youth in educational, leadership, or community settings.
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire: None

Working Conditions: 

Hours: Normal business hours. Ability to adjust hours of work based on the community needs, including some evenings and weekends.

Travel Required: local travel within the Detroit metropolitan area

Working Environment: Climate-controlled schools, community centers, health clinics, and office environment during normal business hours.

Physical Requirements: 

 Last updated: November 18, 2025

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of work performed; the level of knowledge and skills typically required; and usual working conditions of this position. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive listing of all requirements or responsibilities that may be required by employees in this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee Signature: __________________________________________     Date: __________________