Street Outreach and Community Youth Programming Specialist

MIDWEST YOUTH SERVICES

Street Outreach & Community Youth Programming Specialist

Department:
Outreach & Community Development

Reports To:

Senior Outreach and Community Development Coordinator

Location:

Jacksonville, Illinois, with travel throughout the agency's service region
Education Requirement:
Bachelor's Degree Required

Midwest Youth Services is seeking an energetic, innovative, and relationship-driven professional to serve as our Street Outreach & Community Youth Programming Specialist. This position will be responsible for assisting in the development, implementation, and ongoing delivery of a proactive, community-based street outreach model designed to engage youth who may be at risk, underserved, or disconnected from traditional support systems.

The Street Outreach & Community Youth Programming Specialist will play an important role in representing Midwest Youth Services and establishing a consistent, approachable presence within the communities we serve. Through direct youth engagement, relationship-building, and creative programming, this individual will work to connect young people with positive opportunities, supportive relationships, and available resources.

This position will identify locations and opportunities where youth naturally gather, develop meaningful engagement strategies, and create youth-centered activities that encourage participation and positive involvement. The specialist will also establish and maintain relationships with community partners to strengthen outreach efforts and expand access to services.

The ideal candidate will be approachable, creative, safety-conscious, adaptable, and passionate about connecting with young people. Strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are essential.

• Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining a structured street outreach service delivery model throughout the agency's designated service region.
• Identify community locations, gathering spaces, events, and other environments where youth may benefit from direct outreach and engagement.
• Conduct proactive outreach to youth who may be experiencing risk factors, barriers to services, or limited access to positive community supports.
• Develop creative and effective approaches to reaching youth who may not otherwise engage with traditional service providers.
• Establish and maintain appropriate, professional, and trusting relationships with youth through consistent engagement.
• Provide information about agency programs, community resources, available services, and opportunities for positive youth involvement.
• Identify emerging youth needs, trends, and barriers to engagement and assist in adapting outreach strategies accordingly.
• Work collaboratively with supervisory staff to ensure outreach activities align with agency priorities, contractual requirements, and program objectives.

• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate creative, youth-centered activities that encourage positive engagement and participation.
• Design informal educational, recreational, and skill-building opportunities that reflect the interests and needs of youth within the communities served.
• Identify opportunities for youth leadership, positive peer interaction, and continued involvement in community programming.
• Encourage healthy decision-making, positive relationships, personal development, and connections to supportive adults and community resources.
• Adapt programming strategies to maintain relevance and appeal to the populations the agency seeks to reach.
• Assist youth and families in connecting with appropriate agency programs…