Community Outreach Specialist

Lead with Compassion:
Empower Youth as a Community Outreach Specialist - the YMCA is now hiring a Community Outreach Specialist!

The Community Outreach Specialist supports the implementation of youth violence prevention programming funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS). The Community Outreach Specialist engages youth ages 14–24 who are at risk of violence involvement, providing street outreach, crisis response, mentoring, and referrals to wraparound services. This position plays a critical role in reducing violence by promoting positive engagement, trust-building, and linkage to employment, education, and mental health services.

Pay is $24.03 per hour with opportunities to grow within the organization

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs
  , employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

Scope of Responsibilities

• Conduct regular outreach in schools, neighborhoods, and hot-spot areas to identify and engage youth at highest risk of involvement in violence.
• Develop trusting relationships with participants and serve as a consistent, supportive presence in their lives.
• Identify and engage individuals at highest risk for victimization or perpetration.
• Support participants and families in the aftermath of violence or trauma.
• Collaborate with violence interrupters, case managers, and partner agencies to provide a coordinated care response.
• Maintain a caseload of youth participants and conduct weekly check-ins, tracking goals and progress.
• Participate in peace circles, restorative justice practices, and trauma-informed engagement activities.
• Provide immediate crisis response in the event of community violence, including hospital response and post-incident support.
• Represent the program and organization in community settings.
• Facilitate and co-lead small group sessions, workshops, and life skills programming focused on conflict resolution, job readiness, and social-emotional development.
• Ensure all activities and outcomes are documented in program databases (e.g., Efforts to Outcomes/ETO or Cityspan) in compliance with grant requirements.
• Assist with program events such as community forums, healing spaces, and outreach campaigns.
• Attend all required IDHS/DFSS trainings and contribute to internal team development sessions on violence prevention, de-escalation, and youth engagement strategies.

Minimum and Required Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required;
  Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in community outreach, youth work, or violence prevention, particularly with youth impacted by trauma, gangs, or justice involvement.
• Deep understanding of Chicago’s neighborhoods and the systemic issues contributing to community violence.
• Experience with grant-funded programs (IDHS, DFSS, or similar) and familiarity with data reporting systems preferred.
• Must possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts.
• Lived experience and/or strong community ties to program service areas strongly preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred.
• Fluent in Spanish - Rauner YMCA serves a community that is approximately 85% Spanish-speaking. It's essential that staff can communicate…