Youth Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

§  Summary

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Youth Specialist is responsible for developing and facilitating the Youth Belong LA project, which provides educational sessions and youth group activities using the Healthy Youth curriculum to promote positive youth development amongst youth 12-18 years old. The Youth Specialists will provide direct educational services on topics such as wellness, brain development, and cultural diversity in classroom and field-based settings. Responsibilities include outreach to stakeholder groups, youth engagement, and transporting program participants to and from field trip sites located in Los Angeles County using an Agency-owned vehicle.

§  Essential Functions

§  Travel to collaborate with schools, community-based organizations, and other youth-serving organizations to conduct informational sessions.

§  Recruit youth and facilitate classroom-based and nature-based educational sessions using the Healthy YOUth curriculum, Los Angeles County Youth Development, and other relevant resources.

§  Lead, supervise, and support youth participants during on-site programming and off-site field trips at partner locations, while maintaining a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment that promotes positive youth development.

§  Transport program participants to and from field trips using an Agency-owned vehicle in accordance with organizational policies, safety procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.

§  Support youth engagement, consistent participation, and leadership development throughout program activities.

§  Develop and deliver lesson plans, activities, and learning objectives aligned with the goals and objectives of the Youth Belong LA project.

§  Comply with mandated reporter responsibilities, youth protection policies, and all applicable Agency and regulatory requirements to ensure participant safety and well-being.

§  Assist with data collection, tracking, and maintaining accurate program data, including attendance records, surveys, and other required documentation.

§  Attend training, seminars, workshops, and classes related to substance use curriculum or based on funder requirements.

§  Attend and facilitate field trips scheduled during weekends.

§  Maintain regular, in-person attendance in accordance with the requirements of the position and program operations.

§  Maintain and uphold the Agency's mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles.

§  Other duties as needed.

§  Secondary Functions

Occasional overtime and evening hours may be required for program-related outreach and activities.

§  Minimum Qualifications - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

§  Bachelor’s degree in education,  human services,  or related field OR substitute 2 years of experience teaching or directly supporting youth aged 12-18 years old.

§  Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus (verbal and written communications.)

§  Computer literacy- ability to use Microsoft Office, Adobe programs, and any other relevant computer programs that are necessary to fulfill required job duties.

§  Competency to work with the various ethnic/cultural groups in the target area/community(ies)

§  Demonstrated knowledge of the South Los Angeles community and available resources related to target population.

§  Proof of a valid California driver's license and car insurance; Reliable transportation.

§  Flexibility to work after-hours if needed for program-related outreach and activities.

§  Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Check

§  Excellent organization, time-management, interpersonal, and networking skills.

§  Ability to handle multiple tasks with a calm demeanor

§  Fully COVID-19 vaccinated, including 2 weeks post last vaccination dose and COVID-19 booster, if in the eligible category.

§  Updated tuberculosis test read, reviewed, and dated by a clinician (annual requirement)

§  Supervisory Responsibilities

§  This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

§  Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

The work involves coordination of activities at multiple sites across the County, but primarily within South Los Angeles. Traveling and field work will be required to accomplish certain duties listed above. The environmental conditions include an office environment as well as field environments such as schools, gas stations, public housing complexes, parks, beaches, museums, or other natural and cultural resources. There may be potential exposure to aggressive clients or other risky or potentially dangerous situations. May be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.

§  Physical Requirements 

Typically spends time sitting, standing, walking, driving, carrying (max. 20lbs), listening, speaking.

§  Mental Requirements

§  The incumbent in this position must be able to synthesize, coordinate, and analyze information; coordinate tasks, negotiate with, and provide feedback to co-workers with varying levels of education and experience; and to accommodate all of the following: constant distractions, interruptions, and uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules.

Special Service for Groups, Inc. (SSG) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Special Service for Groups, Inc. – better known as SSG – is a non-profit health and human service organization dedicated to building and sustaining community-based programs that address the needs of vulnerable communities. Special Service for Groups (SSG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide community-based solutions to the social and economic issues facing those in greatest need. SSG has evolved into a model organization designed to provide services for diverse groups with maximum efficiency and impact. This is achieved by developing and managing programs which serve our many communities by encouraging their involvement and self-sufficiency. SSG believes that the needs of groups and individuals cross traditional ethnic, racial and other cultural boundaries. SSG serves as a bridge between people with common needs to identify ways to pool resources for the greater good of all.

Company Description

Special Service for Groups, Inc. – better known as SSG – is a non-profit health and human service organization dedicated to building and sustaining community-based programs that address the needs of vulnerable communities. Special Service for Groups (SSG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide community-based solutions to the social and economic issues facing those in greatest need. SSG has evolved into a model organization designed to provide services for diverse groups with maximum efficiency and impact. This is achieved by developing and managing programs which serve our many communities by encouraging their involvement and self-sufficiency. SSG believes that the needs of groups and individuals cross traditional ethnic, racial and other cultural boundaries. SSG serves as a bridge between people with common needs to identify ways to pool resources for the greater good of all.