Youth Service Specialist

Join Our Team as a Youth Service Specialist
Locations: Meriden, CT
Position: Full-Time (35 hours/week) at $45,000 per year
Job #445

Are you passionate about empowering youth and strengthening communities?
We’re seeking a dynamic, Youth Service Specialist to be a vital connector and motivator in the lives of young people. If you thrive in a diverse, collaborative environment and want to create meaningful change, this is your opportunity!

1. Resource Connector: Act as a bridge to community services by researching, maintaining, and nurturing relationships with grassroots agencies, health providers, and community organizations across Meriden, CT. Your efforts will help youth and families access vital resources and support networks.
2. Intervention Facilitator: Lead engaging cognitive-behavioral and Life Skills groups tailored to youth’s needs, such as Girls Circle, Seeking Safety, and Reasoning & Rehabilitation. Your work will foster resilience, positive decision-making, and life skills that set young people up for success.

1. Build and maintain a comprehensive database of community resources across the catchment area, including mental health, medical, youth programs, and grassroots organizations.
2. Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with community service providers to facilitate seamless access to resources for youth and families.
3. Serve as a resource and support for Juvenile Probation Officers and other stakeholders seeking information about local community services.
4. Facilitate evidence-based cognitive-behavioral groups such as Girls Circle, The Council for Boys and Young Men, MET/CBT, Aggression Replacement Training, and Seeking Safety for adolescents.
5. Lead Life Skills groups that teach youth practical skills to manage stress, challenges, and everyday life situations effectively.
6. Engage youth and families with culturally responsive, respectful communication to foster trust and promote meaningful connections.
7. Document community outreach efforts and connections to ensure accurate tracking and follow-up.
8. Promote ethical practices and teamwork, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to the organization’s mission in all interactions.

• Make a Real Impact: Help youth navigate challenges and connect with community resources.
• Grow Professionally: Enjoy opportunities for career advancement, ongoing training, and leadership development.
• Be Part of a Caring Culture: Work in a supportive environment that values diversity, inclusion, and your contributions.

• Education & Experience: Associate’s Degree in a related field to the position, or at least 2 years’ working with at-risk youth, community-based programs, youth and family services, or related experience
• Community Knowledge & Engagement Skills: Strong connections within local communities and effective relationship-building abilities.
• Personal Qualities: Credibility, excellent communication, teamwork, and a genuine passion for youth development.
• Valid Driver’s License: driver's license is required to utilize a company provided vehicle.

• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Flexible hours as early as 9:00am and as late at 6:00pm based off client needs (35 hours per week max)
• Locations:
  • Meriden, CT
  • Access to a company vehicle

• Low-cost Medical Insurance Plan option
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance offered after 30 days of employment
• Company Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Generous Paid Vacation Package (unused time eligible for carry over)
• Generous Paid Sick Time (unused time eligible for carry over)
• Paid Holiday Time (separate from vacation time)
• Floating Holidays (separate from paid vacation time and paid holiday time)
• Annual monetary incentives
• Tuition Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Company Celebrations & Employee Recognition Program
• Employee discounts (cell phone, computer)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer Federal Student Aid
• 10%-20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance

About CJR:
A career at CJR is focused on working to ensure that every young person has an opportunity to thrive! CJR reaches across the state of Connecticut to deliver a broad continuum of care through our residential, education, wellness, and community-based programs. At CJR, you will experience a fulfilling career with an employer that encourages advancement, respects diversity, and rewards excellence!

CJR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry. We embrace the competitive advantage of diversity