Prevention Network seeks a passionate and energetic Youth Development Specialist to coordinate and facilitate youth leadership development and prevention education programs throughout Central New York. The Youth Development Specialist is responsible for engaging youth ages 13-18 in leadership development, substance use prevention education, and positive youth development initiatives that empower young people to make healthy decisions and create positive change within their schools and communities.
A primary responsibility of this position is the coordination and implementation of the Heart of New York Teen Institute (T.I.), a peer leadership program that develops youth leaders through leadership training, prevention education, community engagement, and action-planning initiatives. The Youth Development Specialist will recruit, train, mentor, and support youth leaders and adult volunteers while fostering partnerships with schools, community organizations, and stakeholders. The position also provides educational programming and training for adults who work with youth, helping build protective factors and strengthen youth-serving environments.
Job Description:
·Youth Leadership Development
- Coordinate and facilitate the Heart of New York Teen Institute (T.I.) youth leadership program.
- Recruit, train, and support diverse groups of youth participants from schools and communities throughout the region.
- Facilitate leadership development workshops, team-building activities, skill-building sessions, and youth engagement opportunities.
- Guide youth leaders in developing and implementing action plans that address community needs and promote healthy decision-making.
- Support youth-led prevention, education, advocacy, and service-learning initiatives.
- Provide coaching and mentorship that strengthens youth leadership, communication, public speaking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
- Maintain regular communication with youth participants, school personnel, parents/guardians, and community partners.
- Coordinate youth participation in conferences, training events, and leadership development opportunities.
Prevention Education
- Deliver evidence-informed prevention education programs to middle and high school students.
- Facilitate presentations and workshops on substance use prevention and other topics relevant to adolescent health and well-being.
- Adapt educational content to meet the developmental needs of various youth audiences.
- Promote protective factors, resilience, healthy decision-making, and positive youth development.
- Collaborate with schools and community organizations to identify prevention needs and coordinate programming.
Adult Education and Community Engagement
- Design and facilitate training sessions for educators, youth-serving professionals, parents, and community members.
- Provide education on youth development, youth engagement strategies, current youth trends, substance use prevention, and best practices for working with adolescents.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, prevention coalitions, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Represent Prevention Network at community meetings, conferences, and public events.
Volunteer Management and Supervision
- Recruit, train, supervise, and support volunteer youth staff and volunteer adult staff.
- Coordinate volunteer leadership opportunities and ongoing professional development.
- Ensure volunteers understand program expectations, policies, and youth safety standards.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for volunteers and participants.
Program Administration
- Assist with program planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting.
- Collect and maintain program data, participant records, and outcome measures.
- Monitor program progress and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Support grant deliverables and reporting requirements as assigned.
- Assist with event planning, logistics, registration, and coordination for conferences, trainings, and community events.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of Prevention Network.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree - preferred to be in the following fields: Education, Public Health, Human Services, Social Work, Recreation, Psychology, Youth Development, or a related field.
- Experience facilitating educational programs, workshops, or group activities.
- Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to engage and motivate diverse groups of youth and adults.
- Demonstrated organizational and project management skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with youth ages 13-18.
- Experience supervising staff, volunteers, interns, or youth leaders.
- Experience in prevention education, positive youth development, leadership development, or community-based programming.
- Knowledge of adolescent development and evidence-based prevention strategies.
- Experience working with schools and community organizations.
- Familiarity with youth leadership conference planning and facilitation.
Core Competencies
- Youth Engagement and Development
- Leadership Development
- Public Speaking and Facilitation
- Program Coordination and Event Management
- Volunteer Supervision
- Community Collaboration
- Cultural Responsiveness and Inclusion
- Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
- Organization and Time Management
- Adaptability and Initiative
Work Environment and Schedule
- Primarily community-based and school-based work settings.
- Regular local travel throughout the service area is required.
- Occasional overnight travel may be required for conferences and training events.
- Evening and weekend hours are required as needed to support youth leadership trainings, volunteer trainings, special events, and the annual Teen Institute conference.
- Ability to transport program materials and equipment and facilitate activities in classroom, conference, and community settings.
About Prevention Network
Prevention Network is dedicated to promoting healthy communities through prevention, education, and capacity-building strategies that support individuals, families, schools, and community organizations. Through collaborative partnerships and evidence-informed programming, Prevention Network empowers youth and adults to create positive and lasting community change.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Loan forgiveness
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
