Youth Engagement Specialist

Location: Joliet, Illinois SummaryThe Youth Engagement Specialist provides direct support and intervention services to youth through individual sessions, crisis response, and collaboration with community partners. This role manages a caseload of participants, delivers strengths-based services, and supports program goals through accurate documentation and outcome tracking. The Youth Engagement Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring youth voice and satisfaction are reflected in service delivery and contributes to ongoing program improvement through peer observation and engagement.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesInclude the following; other duties may be assigned as needed:* Maintain an active caseload of 15-20 participants, adjusted based on program needs and supervisor guidance* Respond to crisis calls and provide on-site crisis support* Conduct one-on-one sessions with youth participants as assigned* Document participant progress and session outcomes per program procedures* Participate in peer session observations* Collaborate with community partners to support youth engagement and service coordination* Collect and review Youth Satisfaction Surveys related to individual servicesCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS* Competitive Pay $24.04/hour * Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance* Disability & Life Insurance* Paid Vacation, Sick Days, and Holidays* Retirement Plan* Employee Assistance Program (EAP)* Employee Discounts on services like cell phones, restaurants, and moreTraining Requirements* Complete all Core Curriculum training(s) required for the position* Comply with IDHS program standards and CCBYS requirements* Adhere to the State of Illinois mandated reporting law* Complete all required Federal, IDHS, and agency-mandated training, meetings, and workshops* Complete other duties as assignedTrauma-Informed Care CommitmentStaff are expected to apply the "5 S's" in all work:* Safety (physical and emotional)* Self-regulation (manage one's emotions during support efforts)* Supportiveness (build respectful, caring relationships)* Strengths-based (identify and reinforce clients' positive traits)* Self-care (manage secondary stress reactions)In addition, staff are encouraged to integrate the 7 Essential Ingredients (7ei) of trauma-informed care:* Prevalence, Impact, Perspective Shift, Regulation, Relationship, Reason to Be, and Caregiver CapacityQualificationsEducation and Experience* Bachelor's degree (BA/BS/BSW) required with human services focus* Experience with at-risk youth preferredSkills and Abilities* Ability to read, write, and interpret case notes and procedures* Capable of leading one-on-one or small group discussions* Comfortable solving practical problems with limited standardization* Strong written and verbal communication skills* Ability to interpret instructions in various formats (written, oral, diagram, schedule)Performance Improvement* Understand and apply Aunt Martha's 5-step PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) Performance Improvement processOther Requirements* Availability for evening and weekend hours as needed* Must transport clients in personal vehicle* Valid Illinois driver's license with a clear driving record* Proof of current automobile insurance* Must accept and apply constructive feedbackAge-Specific CareThis position supports individuals across all age groups, including:* Neonatal, Infant, Pediatric, Adolescent, Young Adult, and AdultClient Populations ServedYouth may present with the following needs:* Substance Abuse, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Neglect* Pregnant and/or Parenting, Delinquency, Cognitive Delay* Homelessness, Mental Illness, Developmental Delay* Verbal, Physical, or Sexual Aggression* Physical Disabilities, Runaways/Lockouts

Created: 2026-04-02