Youth Development Specialist

POSITION TITLE: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST:

Program: Voyages Preparatory High School - Elmhurst, Queens, NY Status: Full-Time (35 hours per week)

• Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Salary: $21.98 – $23.08 per hour

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POSITION SUMMARY:

Queens Community House (QCH) is a multi-site nonprofit organization serving the diverse population of Queens through a broad network of programs for children and youth, adults and families, and older adults. Our mission is to provide individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities.

The Youth Development Specialist (Advocate Counselor) will provide comprehensive support services to participants at the Voyages Preparatory High School in Elmhurst, Queens. As the primary point of contact for students, this role focuses on preparing young adults for internships, post-secondary education, and career readiness.

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PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attendance Outreach: Conduct ongoing outreach, including home and worksite visits, to address attendance issues and promote consistent engagement.

• Post-Secondary Planning: Provide one-on-one counseling to assist students in developing and implementing plans for college, vocational training, or employment.

• Counseling Services: Conduct at least two individual counseling sessions per student—one focused on academic progress and one on career advisement.

• College Application Support: Assist eligible students with completing CUNY and FAFSA applications.

• Advisory Groups: Facilitate workshops on topics such as job readiness, career exploration, conflict resolution, leadership, youth employment, and psychoeducation.

• Parent and Guardian Engagement: Maintain regular communication with families to support student success and address identified needs.

• Case Management: Maintain accurate case files and document weekly progress notes in Salesforce.

• School Collaboration: Work collaboratively with DOE staff and facilitate structured communication between students and teachers.

• Academic Monitoring: Review student attendance and academic performance, providing targeted interventions when needed.

• Referrals and Support Services: Make appropriate referrals to community resources and provide additional support as needed.

• Team Collaboration: Attend agency staff meetings, DOE meetings, and regular supervision sessions.

• Special Projects: Participate in school and program initiatives, and assist with special projects as assigned.

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QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; preferably in Psychology, Education, Social Work, or a related field.

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth, preferably within a NYC high school setting.

• Ability to work the required schedule (afternoon/evening hours during the school year and daytime hours during the summer).

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

• Computer proficiency required; experience with Salesforce preferred.

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WHAT WE OFFER:

Queens Community House offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance and Flexible Spending Accounts

• 403(b) Retirement Plan

• Up to 27 Annual Leave Days (17 in the first year)

• 12 Sick Days and Most Federal Holidays Off

• Extensive Professional Development Opportunities

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APPLICATION METHOD:

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through the Queens Community House Career Portal at www.qchnyc.org [https://www.qchnyc.org].

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Queens Community House, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or veteran status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Drug-Free Workplace.