Youth Development Specialist – Full Time

Youth Development Specialist – Full-Time

"This full-time position offers the opportunity to earn hiring bonuses totaling $500: $100 after 30 days of successful employment and $400 after 6 months."

Park ridge, IL | Starting at $20.18/hour | Full Time and Part time

Shifts: 7 am to 3pm, 3pm to 11pm, 11pm to 7am

Join The Harbour – Make a Real DifferenceThe Harbour, Inc. is committed to providing immediate, stable, and safe housing for homeless youth and young mothers with children. We break the cycle of homelessness through compassionate care, access to meals, education, employment support, and individualized counseling.

We are currently seeking a Youth Development Specialist to join our team at our Des Plaines location. This role is essential in providing supervision, mentorship, and support to youth in either our Safe Harbour Emergency Shelter or Transitional Living Programs. This is a full-time floater position supporting coverage needs across programs and working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

What You'll Do

• Provide direct care and support to youth in residential programs
• Assist with educational support and tutoring
• Teach daily living skills and promote independence
• Implement behavior management strategies in a trauma-informed environment
• Offer crisis intervention and emotional support when needed
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and structured environment
• Accurately document all activities, including progress notes, incident reports, and medication logs
• Coordinate schedules, medical appointments, and activities using a shared calendar
• Participate in team meetings and collaborate with colleagues across programs
• Perform light housekeeping and minor repairs when needed
• Other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related human services field, or minimum 60 college credit hours (preferred)
• Experience working with youth in educational or residential settings
• Strong behavior management and communication skills
• Compassionate, dependable, and culturally responsive approach
• Valid Illinois Driver's License, reliable transportation, and auto insurance
• Meets DCFS requirements for client transport
• First Aid/CPR certification a plus (can be obtained after hire)

Professional Development

We value growth and provide training and development opportunities including:

• 80 hours of agency-required training
• Certification in First Aid and CPR
• 10+ hours of annual in-service or external training
• Annual goal-setting and performance development process

Work Environment

• Operate kitchen equipment: stove, coffee maker, microwave, deep-fryer.
• Operate office equipment: copier machine, smartphone, computer, and Microsoft Teams.
• Walk up and down stairs at least 20 times in a shift.
• Supervise residents via direct eye contact and observing behavior.
• Lift items up to 20 lbs. Move household furniture weighing up to 25 lbs. and move it a distance of at least 12 feet to arrange and rearrange the home.
• Light housekeeping and minor repairs to sites as needed.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Plan

If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a supportive, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply today.

The Harbour is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other protected status.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• This position may involve working with youth in certain DCFS-licensed programs, which require staff to be at least 25 years old. Are you able to meet this requirement if offered the position?
• Do you have a reliable vehicle, auto insurance, and a valid driver's license?
• Please provide your email and your phone number

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person