Youth Development Specialist

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact.

Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As a Youth Development Specialist, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.

How Your Role Makes a Difference

• Conduct all intake, referral, and case note documentation;
• Provide case management support to designated youth and youth in follow up in alignment with youth services program delivery;
• Provide community resources linkages for housing efforts and support for youth services;
• Provide support for youth pro-social engagement through direct and indirect program delivery;
• Provide support and guidance for recruitment efforts to identify interested youth for youth services programming;
• Provide oversight for paid work experience worksites to ensure quality delivery;
• Deliver evidence-based curriculum and engage youth in programming and educational discussions on topics including healthy relationships, sexual health, sexual risk avoidance, pregnancy prevention, and other adolescent-development topics in a professional and age-appropriate manner;
• Serve as a liaison between student and worksite supervisors;
• Complete data entry and documentation as assigned;
• Administer the required documentation for gathering participant survey data;
• Provide “continuing contact” support to designated youth and document the follow-up to ensure the youth remains connected to the program;
• Provide support for youth services staffing gaps for quality program delivery;
• Meet with supervisor to review work assignments and projects;
• Support alumni planning and ensure effective implementation for successful programming;
• Serve as a liaison with the youth’s parent/guardian and maintain a healthy, positive relationship with the youth to ensure their safety, support, interaction, and engagement;
• Attend staff meetings, training, and webinars to ensure up-to-date knowledge is obtained to apply of the job;
• Participates in the company-wide performance review process based on the performance review schedule (at a minimum once a year);
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What Will Make You Successful

• Bachelor’s level degree in Human Services, Business, or equivalent field of study from an accredited college;
• At least one (1) to three (3) years of experience leading youth and/or groups;
• Prior experience in youth development, strongly preferred;
• Must be CPR, First Aid, and AEC certified upon hire or within 60 days of hire;
• Possess a passion for inclusion, equity, and sustainability;
• Must be a self-starter with an entrepreneur spirit;
• Excellent verbal and written communication with strong interpersonal skills;
• Strong project management, and organizational skills;
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Must be willing and able to work days, evenings, and weekends, as necessary;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years of driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Exhibit integrity and good moral character to provide appropriate care;
• Possess the relevant experience and/or qualifications to work with these clients and clients with special needs; and,
• Be properly trained and licensed, as necessary.
• Must be able to show proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route:
  • TDap or Tdap: Complete primary vaccination series. If primary vaccination series
  completed in childhood, one Tdap dose in adulthood.
  • Results of medical examination (as required by State Licensing, including results of TB
  tests and immunization records).
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

We Invest in You

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities 
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employer paid long-term disability and group term life insurance