Position Overview:
The Youth Specialized Community Navigator serves as a trusted advocate, mentor, and connector for youth and young adults impacted by violence or at elevated risk. Working as part of Centro Hispano’s Violence Prevention Team, this role provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based support to youth ages 13–24 to prevent and interrupt cycles of violence, promote positive behaviors, and foster long-term success.
The Navigator builds authentic relationships with youth and their families, helps them navigate barriers across systems (safety, education, housing, health, and employment), and collaborates with partners to improve youth well-being and promote community resilience. This position provides individualized mentorship and case management, facilitates youth skill-building and enrichment programming, and supports violence prevention initiatives across the community.
Success in this role requires the ability to build trusting relationships with youth, maintain consistent engagement, coordinate services across systems, facilitate group programming, and accurately document outcomes. The ideal candidate is a proactive relationship-builder who combines compassion with accountability and can effectively support youth while advancing program goals.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Percentages represent estimated allocation of time and may vary based on program needs.
Direct Support and Case Navigation (FUERZA program): 60%
· Provide consistent trauma-informed mentorship through scheduled contacts, goal-setting, and progress monitoring to support participant engagement, safety, and positive youth outcomes.
· Maintain an active caseload of youth participants and ensure regular contact, documentation, and follow-up in accordance with program standards.
· Conduct assessments, develop individualized support plans, provide advocacy and life-skills coaching, and support youth in achieving personal, educational, employment, and wellness goals.
· Conduct targeted outreach to reach marginalized, at-risk youth to build rapport, recruit participation, and maintain meaningful levels of engagement.
· Connect youth to essential services (education, housing, counseling, workforce, legal aid) and provide case navigation and accompaniment, when appropriate.
· Respond appropriately to participant crises and safety concerns, following organizational policies, mandated reporting requirements, and established referral protocols.
· Maintain timely, accurate documentation of participant engagement, case notes, referrals, and outcomes in accordance with grant and program requirements.
· Participate in regular case review meetings and collaborate with the Lead Youth Specialized Community Navigator to strengthen service delivery and program effectiveness.
Youth Skill-Building & Group Mentorship 20%
· Facilitate consistent afterschool and out-of-school-time programming focused on youth leadership development, educational enrichment, social-emotional learning, and violence prevention through the Escalera Program and other approved curricula.
· Plan, coordinate, and facilitate youth workshops, group mentoring activities, experiential learning opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.
· Meaningfully engage youth to inform, plan, and execute on program priorities, teen-focused activities, advocacy, and experiential learning opportunities throughout the year.
· Maintain participant attendance, engagement, and outcome data to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.
· Build and maintain partnerships with schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to support recruitment, referrals, and program participation.
Systems Coordination and Advocacy: 10 %
· Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, social service providers, justice-system partners, employers, and community organizations to improve coordination of services and support youth success.
· Participate in multidisciplinary case meetings and information-sharing, following confidentiality protocols.
· Identify systemic barriers and elevate patterns to support program or policy improvements.
· Maintain and expand knowledge of community resources, referral networks, and best practices in youth development and violence prevention.
Community Engagement, Violence Prevention, and Team Collaboration: 10%
· Support and lead community outreach, workshops, and violence prevention initiatives.
· Track program outcomes, contribute to evaluation, and ensure compliance with grant and reporting requirements.
· Collaborate with team members in planning and executing youth/family events, trainings, and community activities.
· Participate in ongoing professional development to enhance trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice.
· Uphold Centro Hispano’s mission, values, and commitment to culturally responsive, inclusive service delivery.
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, education, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education, lived experience, and professional experience supporting youth will be considered.
· 2+ years’ experience in case management, youth development, community outreach, violence prevention, or other social services support for marginalized youth populations.
· Demonstrated experience working with youth affected by trauma, justice involvement, or community violence, or other significant barriers.
· Experience developing, coordinating, or facilitating youth groups, trainings, or mentorship programs is strongly preferred.
· Strong knowledge of local community resources and cross-sector collaboration.
· Excellent organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
· Bilingual English/Spanish required
· Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
· Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and child abuse clearance
· Candidates with strong ties to the Reading community, lived experience navigating systems similar to those faced by participants, and demonstrated success building relationships with youth and families are strongly encouraged to apply.
CORE COMPETENCIES
· Cultural Responsiveness: Understands and honors cultural identity and lived experience as central to engagement.
· Trauma-Informed Practice: Recognizes the impact of trauma and integrates safety, trust, and empowerment into all interactions.
· Relationship Building: Builds trust through authenticity, empathy, and accountability.
· Advocacy and Navigation: Connects youth and families to needed supports and advocates for equitable access to resources and services.
· Organization & Evaluation: Designs tools, tracks data, and supports continuous improvement.
· Resilience and Self-Care: Manages high-stress situations while maintaining professional boundaries and well-being.
BENEFITS:
- Competitive salary, health and dental insurance, paid time off, and holidays.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Inclusive and supportive work environment.
Pay: $43,000.00 - $53,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Case management: 2 years (Preferred)
Language:
- Spanish (Required)
- English (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Reading, PA 19601 (Required)
Work Location: In person
