Youth Empowerment

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

The Partnership for Ontario County (recently rebranded as Ontario Cares) connects neighbors to empower and strengthen Ontario County's community safety net. We operate community-based programs including the EPIC Zone Youth Clubhouses, counseling and wellness services, food access initiatives, countywide prevention coalitions focused on suicide prevention, substance misuse, and veterans, and Ontario County Youth Court.

At our core, Ontario Cares brings people and organizations together to create practical, community-driven solutions that support youth, families, and residents across the county.

PURPOSE OF JOB:

We are seeking an outgoing, youth-centered social worker who can help us transform and strengthen our Clubhouse programs. You will not only provide direct support and prevention programming, but also coach and inspire staff, helping to shift our organizational culture toward proactive strength-building, hope, and engaged positivity. This 18-month pilot role with the power to shape the future of how we serve teens.

This role is designed for someone who thrives on connection, creativity, and empowerment. You'll work directly with youth, but you'll also be a mentor to our staff team, lifting their skills in youth development and nurturing their ability to create safe, affirming, and joy-filled environments.

OVERVIEW

The Youth Empowerment & Wellness Social Worker provides direct support, prevention programming, and coalition engagement for youth ages 12–18 in Ontario County. Embedded in the Epic Zone Youth Clubhouses in Geneva and Bloomfield and active in countywide prevention and wellness coalitions, this role strengthens access to counseling, prevention services, and evidence-informed wellness programs.

This part-time role hrs/week) is ideal for a licensed clinician who values flexibility, meaningful impact, and the opportunity to shape the future of youth development in our county.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Direct Youth & Family Support

• Facilitate group workshops on prevention, wellness, creative expression, and life skills (e.g., financial literacy, vocational exploration, civic engagement).
• Support youth in goal setting, resilience building, and identifying pathways to future opportunities.
• On a limited basis, provide supportive coaching, counseling and case management for youth, adults, and families.
• Refer youth and families to in-house counseling services and external providers as appropriate.
• Create and protect safe, affirming, trauma-informed environment spaces in Clubhouse sites.

Staff & Culture Transformation

• Work alongside program coordinators and youth specialists to strengthen their knowledge of best practices in positive youth development.
• Infuse everyday Clubhouse work with evidence based positive asset based youth development frameworks such as the 40 Developmental Assets and the Science of Hope and facilitate restorative practices with a trauma informed lens.
• Be a role model for positive, engaged, strength-based staff culture.

Prevention & Coalition Engagement

• Participate in the Hope and Healing Network which includes of the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and Suicide Prevention Coalitions of Ontario County.
• Contribute to community-wide education and systems-change prevention strategies.
• Build bridges between direct youth services and coalition-led initiatives.

Program Development & Collaboration

• Co-create programs with youth, ensuring youth voices drive program design
• Partner with families, schools, and community organizations to align services
• Collect data, contribute to evaluations, and share learnings to inform future program sustainability.

Administrative & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, confidential case and program records.
• Track attendance, referrals, and outcomes for program reporting.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards in alignment with NYS licensure requirements and organizational policy.

WHO YOU ARE

• Licensed NYS Social Worker (LMSW, LCSW, LMHC, or equivalent). Very strong youth development case management experience may be considered.
• Passionate about positive youth development and affirming practice for all youth.
• Outgoing and relational, this individual works to put people at ease and spark energy in groups.
• A coach at heart, eager to support staff growth as much as youth growth.
• Skilled in group facilitation, prevention, and trauma-informed care.
• Experienced in counseling, prevention, or case management with youth.
• Knowledgeable in frameworks such as the 40 Developmental Assets or Science of Hope, Restorative practices, and other asset based youth development frameworks preferred.
• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish), though not required.

WHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENT

• It's an 18-month pilot project. You will be pioneering and testing what works, and your voice will shape future programs activities and investments.
• You'll be both a direct service provider and a culture-builder, leaving a lasting impact on staff and youth alike.
• Flexible part-time hours with competitive hourly pay.
• Professional development and mileage reimbursement included.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Epic Zone Youth Clubhouses are open afternoons and evenings 2:30-7:30 pm so afternoon and evening hours are expected.
• Although it's not typical, some weekends may occasionally be required.
• Ability to travel between Geneva Clubhouse, Bloomfield Clubhouse, and Canandaigua Office, and county-wide partner locations is essential.

The Partnership for Ontario County is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.

Pay: $ $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15.0 – 20.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Experience:

• Youth development: 3 years (Preferred)
• Social work, Counseling, or Case Management: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40