The Youth Outreach & Employment Specialist is responsible for engaging high-risk youth ages 14–18, building trusted relationships with community partners, and supporting youth through employment
readiness, job placement, and early career development. This role serves as a bridge between youth, employers, schools, and community-based organizations, ensuring participants receive culturally
responsive, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate support.
The ideal candidate is deeply rooted in the community, skilled at relationship-building, and committed to creating pathways to economic stability for young people facing systemic barriers.
● Commitment to the mission and values of Urban Triage, Inc.
● Experience in case management and/or non-profit work, or related social service work, is preferred. Lived experience is also appropriate.
● Strong interpersonal, communication, multitasking, and crisis intervention skills.
● High organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
● Intermediate computer literacy skills and general math (multiplication, percentage, division, etc.).
● Must be flexible, self-motivated, and able to work independently and within a team.
● Comfortable with community outreach and relationship building. Going into the community, self-led and motivated to support the work of Urban Triage.
● Must pass a background check.
● A valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation.
● Being bilingual (English/Spanish) is a bonus.
Required Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Youth Development, Education, Human Services, or related field (or equivalent lived experience)
● At least 1–2 years of experience working with high-risk or opportunity youth
● Strong understanding of systemic barriers impacting youth (poverty, trauma, racism, involvement with child welfare or juvenile justice systems)
● Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills
● Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience in workforce development, employment training, or job placement programs
● Existing relationships with local employers or workforce partners
● Experience with trauma-informed, restorative, or culturally responsive practices
● Bilingual or multilingual abilities
● Lived experience that reflects the communities served
Core Competencies
● Youth-centered and strengths-based approach
● Cultural humility and anti-oppressive practice
● Crisis de-escalation and problem-solving
● Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
● Data tracking and documentation skills
Physical & Environmental Requirements
● Ability to travel locally for outreach, meetings, and site visits
● Ability to work in community-based and non-traditional settings
Youth Engagement and Outreach
● Conduct proactive outreach to high-risk youth through schools, community organizations, street outreach, and referral networks.
● Build consistent, trust-based relationships with youth and families
● Support youth with goal setting, accountability, and ongoing engagement
● Maintain regular contact with participants through check-ins, workshops, and individual support
Employment Readiness and Workforce Support
● Facilitate or support job readiness training (resume building, interview skills, workplace behavior, time management, financial literacy)
● Assist youth with job applications, hiring paperwork, and onboarding processes.
● Support youth in identifying career interests and employment goals
● Provide coaching and problem-solving support to help youth retain employment.
Job Placement & Employer Partnerships
● Develop and maintain relationships with local employers, workforce agencies, and training providers.
● Coordinate internships, paid work experiences, apprenticeships, and entry-level job placement.s
● Act as a liaison between youth and employers to address challenges and promote success
● Track placements, employment outcomes, and retention milestones
Community Partnerships & Collaboration
● Build and sustain partnerships with schools, juvenile justice partners, social service agencies, and community organizations.
● Represent the organization at community meetings, job fairs, and outreach events.
● Coordinate referrals to supportive services, including counseling, transportation, educational support, or housing resources.
Documentation & Reporting
● Maintain accurate and timely case notes, attendance records, and outcome data
● Support grant reporting and program evaluation requirements
● Participate in team meetings, trainings, and continuous improvement efforts
Urban Triage, Inc. is dedicated to inspiring a profound transformation within cultures, institutions, and communities, forging a path toward a humane future for all. We actively engage with systems to implement approaches that are systematic, sustainable, equitable, and clinically sound to enhance health behaviors and prevent illness.
Our vision is to break down barriers and foster a thriving environment through education, community support services, and diligent advocacy. We aim to dismantle obstacles such as inadequate education, limited access to resources, and disparities in class and health, creating a foundation for lasting change.
We aspire to promote positive health outcomes and bridge significant health disparities at the community level. By meeting basic needs first, we empower communities through educational opportunities and impactful advocacy across multiple levels. We are committed to standing in the gap for those who need it the most, through advocacy, transformative education, and seamless coordination with partner organizations, city officials, and community resources.
At the heart of our work is a deep-rooted trust within the community and a proven track record of empowering change. Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for everyone.
The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.
This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations outlined in the code of business conduct and company policies. As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy. Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations, as well as company policies and training requirements.
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