Job Description
Job Description
Location : Joliet, Illinois
Summary
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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Include the following; other duties may be assigned as needed :
- 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
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Competitive Pay $24.04 / hourHealth, Dental, and Vision InsuranceDisability & Life InsurancePaid Vacation, Sick Days, and HolidaysRetirement PlanEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Employee Discounts on services like cell phones, restaurants, and moreTraining Requirements
Complete all Core Curriculum training(s) required for the positionComply with IDHS program standards and CCBYS requirementsAdhere to the State of Illinois mandated reporting lawComplete all required Federal, IDHS, and agency-mandated training, meetings, and workshopsComplete other duties as assignedTrauma-Informed Care Commitment
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 CapacityQualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree (BA / BS / BSW) required with human services focusExperience with at-risk youth preferredSkills and Abilities
Ability to read, write, and interpret case notes and proceduresCapable of leading one-on-one or small group discussionsComfortable solving practical problems with limited standardizationStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to interpret instructions in various formats (written, oral, diagram, schedule)Performance Improvement
Understand and apply Aunt Martha’s 5-step PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) Performance Improvement processOther Requirements
Availability for evening and weekend hours as neededMust transport clients in personal vehicleValid Illinois driver’s license with a clear driving recordProof of current automobile insuranceMust accept and apply constructive feedbackAge-Specific Care
This position supports individuals across all age groups, including :
Neonatal, Infant, Pediatric, Adolescent, Young Adult, and AdultClient Populations Served
Youth may present with the following needs :
Substance Abuse, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, NeglectPregnant and / or Parenting, Delinquency, Cognitive DelayHomelessness, Mental Illness, Developmental DelayVerbal, Physical, or Sexual AggressionPhysical Disabilities, Runaways / Lockouts