Specialist, Social Work, Youth Development

Company Description

Youth Guidance is a nonprofit organization that designs and delivers school-based programs to help young people overcome obstacles, stay engaged in their education, and succeed in school and in life. The organization focuses on building students’ resilience, positive values, and decision‑making skills so they can become self‑sufficient adults. Its core service areas include Counseling & Prevention (BAM, WOW, STRIVE), Community & After‑School programs, and Career Readiness & Success initiatives.

Youth Guidance serves more than 15,000 youth each year, most of whom are African American and Hispanic/Latino, and maintains accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA). Additional information about programs and impact can be found th-guidance.org.

The Specialist is a full‑time, on‑site role based in Washington, DC, supporting Youth Guidance’s school‑based and community programs. This role involves working directly with youth, families, and school staff to implement program activities, provide guidance and support, and help students develop social‑emotional and academic skills. The Specialist will coordinate group sessions, workshops, and events, maintain accurate documentation and reports, and collaborate with colleagues to ensure consistent, high‑quality services.

The role also includes communicating with parents and caregivers, building partnerships with school and community stakeholders, and contributing to continuous improvement of program delivery.

• Experience working with youth in school, community, or social service settings, with a commitment to equity and culturally responsive practice.
• Strong skills in relationship‑building, communication, and collaboration with students, families, and school staff.
• Ability to facilitate groups, workshops, and activities that support social‑emotional learning, conflict resolution, and academic success.
• Solid organizational and time‑management skills, including accurate documentation, data entry, and reporting.
• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, psychology, youth development, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of urban education environments and the strengths and challenges facing African American and Hispanic/Latino youth is highly beneficial.
• Comfort working on‑site in schools in Washington, DC, with flexibility to adjust to school schedules and occasional evenings or events as needed.