Youth Engagement Specialist

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Regular Full-Time Joliet, IL, US

30+ days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $24.04 To $24.04 Annually

Location:

Joliet, Illinois

The 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.

• 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 services

• 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 more

• 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 assigned

Staff 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 Capacity

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS/BSW) required with human services focus
• Experience with at‑risk youth preferred

• 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)
• Understand and apply Aunt Martha’s 5‑step PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) Performance Improvement process

• 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 feedback

• Neonatal, Infant, Pediatric, Adolescent, Young Adult, and Adult

Youth 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