Youth Specialist

*Staff positions are supportive roles providing support to our rehabilitation mission. Applicants for staff positions do not need to have a barrier to employment to be eligible for these roles.*

*To ensure full consideration for a staff position, please attach a resume to your application so we can gain a complete view of your experiences*

Peckham Inc. - Youth Specialist

SUMMARY

The Peckham Youth Specialist plays a vital role in supporting youth referred by the Washtenaw County Juvenile Court as they work toward personal growth, skill development, and successful program completion. This position partners closely with court-involved youth to help them identify goals, overcome barriers, and build the skills needed to move forward with confidence.

Youth Specialists facilitate the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates curriculum and a variety of life-skills programming, creating engaging, relevant learning experiences that align with each young person’s strengths and objectives. Through consistent, supportive relationships, the Youth Specialist serves as a key source of encouragement, accountability, and guidance as youth navigate academic, career, and personal milestones.

This role also involves close collaboration with families, court officers, and wraparound service teams to ensure youth receive coordinated, comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs. Using strength-based and evidence-informed approaches, the Youth Specialist motivates youth, reinforces positive decision-making, and supports the development of new skills that contribute to long-term success. If you are looking for a meaningful job making a life changing impact, come and join our team!!

• This position is offered as a three-year contract through Washtenaw County, with the possibility of renewal.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• • Complete intake assessment and determine suitability for Youth Career Academy Enrollment.

  • Deliver multiple curriculums including Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates, Cognitive Behavioral Skills lessons, The Kitchen Project curriculum, and other life-skills curriculum

  • Coordinate career counseling activities and establish student objectives leading to the attainment of an industry recognized credential, phase objectives, and other milestone achievements.

  • Organize the establishment of a high motivational, career-oriented student led organization for the purposes of developing leadership, community service and teamwork skills

  • Provide mentoring and refer to school or community-based services as needed to overcome the barriers to successful completion of individual objectives

  • Attend JMG staff development experiences and staff meetings. Assist with special events or peer-based training as needed.

  • Complete and regularly maintain all paper and electronic documentation as required by Peckham and stakeholders

  • Organize and plan incentive trips for students

  • Organize and plan family engagement events on a quarterly basis

  • Work with the Youth Career Academy Team to ensure all students are progressing through the phases using motivation strategies and mentoring.

  • Create weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to highlight outcomes and status of youth enrolled in program

  • Attend court hearings regularly to advocate for youth and update judicial team on student’s progress.

  • Network with the community to secure community resources and additional programming/counseling/support for youth enrolled in the Youth Career Academy.

  • Crisis intervention as needed.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• • Assess student academic levels and coordinate remediation and or tutoring required for students to improve their basic education skills towards graduation

  • Enter data into Workday and other databases for record keeping and data analysis

  • Enter case notes on a regular basis and sure all files are up to date, weekly

  • Develop and execute incentive structure for classroom behavior management

  • Maintain a safe and clean work environment

  • Promote Peckham’s vision values and services to all customers and stakeholders

  • Assist in maintaining organizational wide quality standards

  • Other related duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• • Bachelor’s degree in a related field and one to two years of related experience and or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Must pass and maintain security background checks

  • Must have access to reliable transportation

  • Maintain an unrestricted driver’s license and a clear driving record (in accordance with company insurance policy) to drive a company vehicle

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• • Experience leading groups of youth and experience with behavior management utilizing a strength-based philosophy

  • Understanding of trauma and the impacts and strategies to reduce triggers and provide thoughtful supports

COMPETENCIES

• • Confidentiality

  • Clinical Support

  • Conflict Management

  • Effective Communication

  • Effective Writing

  • Mentoring and Coaching

  • Problem Solving

  • Quality

  • Stress Management

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands of this position may be reasonably accommodated for individuals with disabilities on a case-by-case basis.

PECKHAM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled. Peckham provides equal opportunities and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR APPLYING NOTICE

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of your application please:

Email us at

[email protected]

Call us at (517) 316-4000 Visit us at: 3510 Capital City BLVD, Lansing, MI 48906 (M-F 8am - 4pm)

Examples of reasonable accommodations may include making a change to the application process, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Business Line:

Human Services

Location:

Ann Arbor, MI

Worker Sub-Type:

Staff Member