Community Specialist

Community Specialist

Position Summary

The Academy is seeking a Community Based Specialist to provide intensive case management services to youth referred by Juvenile Probation Departments, the Office of Children and Youth (OCY), and other referral agencies. This position helps youth remain safely in their homes and communities by providing supervision, guidance, advocacy, and support while promoting positive behavioral, educational, and life outcomes.

This role requires daily face-to-face contact with youth, family engagement, crisis intervention, community collaboration, and flexible scheduling.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred, but not required.
• Equivalent education, professional experience, or a combination of both will be considered.
• Experience working with youth, families, behavioral health, education, social services, criminal justice, military service, or related human service fields is preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to obtain all required background clearances.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

Essential ResponsibilitiesCase Management

• Maintain daily face-to-face contact with assigned youth.
• Develop and update individualized case plans.
• Assess behavioral, educational, employment, and family needs.
• Provide structure, supervision, accountability, and support.
• Utilize Youth Level of Service (YLS) assessments and Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) principles in service planning.
• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation.

Family & Youth Support

• Conduct regular meetings with youth and families.
• Assist youth with goal setting, problem solving, and positive decision-making.
• Teach life skills and encourage pro-social behavior.
• Support career exploration, job readiness, resume development, and workforce preparation.

School & Community Involvement

• Support school enrollment, attendance, and educational success.
• Communicate with school personnel and attend meetings as needed.
• Coordinate transportation when necessary.
• Build relationships with community partners and participate in community events and presentations.

Crisis Intervention

• Respond to crisis situations and provide immediate intervention.
• Communicate significant incidents with supervisors and referral agencies.

Court & Agency Collaboration

• Represent The Academy at court hearings when required.
• Maintain regular communication with Juvenile Probation Officers (JPOs), the Office of Children and Youth (OCY), and other referral agencies.
• Assist youth in meeting court-ordered conditions and program expectations.

Treatment & Aftercare

• Facilitate Aggression Replacement Training (ART) and other evidence-based programming when appropriate.
• Develop transition plans for youth returning from residential placements.

Documentation & Professional Responsibilities

• Complete assessments, case plans, court reports, monthly reports, discharge summaries, and other required documentation.
• Meet regularly with supervisors for case consultation and professional development.
• Attend required trainings and staff meetings.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple cases.
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, and documentation skills.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with youth, families, schools, and community partners.
• Knowledge of adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and juvenile justice practices is preferred.

Work Environment

• Daily travel throughout the community.
• Frequent interaction with youth, families, schools, courts, and community agencies.
• Ability to transport youth when needed.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.

Pay: Up to $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000