Youth Specialist; Part-Time

Every TAP employee shares in TAP’s responsibility to "Mobilize Community Resources" in support of TAP’s anti-poverty efforts.

This position is part-time, 20 hours a week.

The Youth Specialist supports the daily operation and delivery of youth programming under Project Discover U, including but not limited to mentoring support, educational workshops, college and career exploration, employment readiness, cultural empowerment programming, and youth leadership development. The Youth Specialist works directly with youth participants, families, schools, volunteers, and community partners to ensure high-quality services, positive youth engagement, and successful program outcomes.

This position plays a key role in building trusting relationships with youth and helping them achieve their personal, academic, and career goals. This position may require occasional evenings, weekends, or overnight work and local travel for school visits, program events, or off-site experiences.

Supervised by:
Project Discover U Coordinator

Supervises:
No one

Coordinates with:
Other TAP programs and staff, local school systems, community organizations, post-secondary institution liaison, volunteers, families, and youth participants.

• Assist in the implementation of youth programs under the Project Discover U umbrella, including mentoring, college access, career exposure, violence prevention, and cultural identity development.
• Build strong relationships with youth to foster trust, consistency, and a sense of belonging.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate group sessions, workshops, and field experiences as assigned.
• Track student participation, attendance, and outcomes using agency-approved data systems.
• Help coordinate program logistics such as transportation, event setup, materials preparation, and scheduling.
• Maintain communication with schools, parents/guardians, and partners to support youth needs and engagement.
• Assist with recruitment of youth participants and volunteers through outreach at schools and in the community.
• Participate in training and staff development activities relevant to trauma-informed care, mentoring, and youth development.
• Attend team meetings, planning sessions, and debriefs to ensure program quality and coordination.
• Provide input on program improvements and identify barriers to youth participation or engagement.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold TAP’s commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and safety.
• Assist with reporting, documentation, and data entry as needed by the Project Discover U Coordinator.
• Any other duties involving program activities.

• Ability to relate well to diverse youth populations, including those from underserved or marginalized communities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Group facilitation or mentoring experience preferred.
• Knowledge of youth development principles and trauma-informed care.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Basic computer literacy and ability to learn data systems.
• Comfort working in schools, community settings, and outdoor environments.
• Commitment to the goals of the program.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or coursework in social work, education, human services, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with youth, preferably in a school, nonprofit, or mentoring environment.
• Experience working with volunteers, families, or community partners is preferred.
• At TAP, we focus on the Whole Family Approach. As an employee, you may be required to attend Whole Family training and enter relevant data into the agency’s database as part of client support.