About Neutral Ground
Neutral Ground is a Santa Ana based 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to create healthier, safer communities most impacted by gang violence. We break cycles of violence, poverty, academic failure, and teen pregnancy through restorative practice, youth development, academic support, and the strengthening of meaningful relationships. We serve more than 600 young people in grades 1 through 12 across 18 school sites in Orange County and beyond, alongside community based programs including the Neutral Ground Boxing Club, Summer Night Lights, Re-Entry Services, and Nati's House.
Position Summary
The Intervention Specialist is Neutral Ground's frontline role on school campuses. This person carries a caseload of students, builds consistent one-on-one relationships, facilitates restorative circles, mediates conflict before and after it escalates, and connects young people and their families to resources. The work is relational first. Success in this role looks like creating a space where students have an adult on campus they trust, who they know will show up for them, and who creates an individualized plan for success for the student.
Schedule and Location
School-year calendar aligned to your assigned campus, with some evening and weekend hours for community events. Based at assigned school site(s) in Orange County, with occasional work at the Santa Ana office and community events.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain a consistent daily presence at your assigned school site and build trusted relationships with students, families, and school staff
- Carry an active caseload of students referred by school administration, counselors, or Neutral Ground staff, and conduct regular one-on-one check-ins
- Facilitate restorative circles, including community-building circles, harm-repair circles, and re-entry circles following suspension
- Mediate student conflicts and respond to campus incidents in coordination with school administration, de-escalating situations before they become discipline or safety issues
- Develop individualized support plans with each caseload student covering attendance, academics, behavior, and personal goals
- Engage parents and guardians through phone contact, home visits as appropriate, and participation in parent engagement programming
- Connect students and families to services including counseling referrals, academic support, Neutral Ground Boxing Club, and community resources
- Document all case management interactions within 48 hours in Neutral Ground's data systems, including student check-ins logged through the site QR system
- Participate in weekly team meetings, site coordination with school administration, and all required Neutral Ground trainings
- Support Neutral Ground community events including Summer Night Lights and school-year family events as scheduled
Qualifications
- Experience working with young people impacted by violence, the justice system, or school discipline, whether professional, volunteer, or lived
- Ability to build authentic relationships with youth who may be slow to trust adults
- Strong personal boundaries and a trauma-informed approach to difficult moments
- Comfort working inside a school environment and partnering with administrators, teachers, and counselors
- Reliable documentation habits; comfortable using a phone or laptop to log case notes and check-ins
- Bilingual English and Spanish strongly preferred
- High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or credentials in human services, social work, or a related field welcome but not required
Requirements Before Hire
- Livescan background clearance (required for all hires)
- TB clearance per school district requirements
- Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance
- Completion of mandated reporter training upon hire; all Neutral Ground frontline staff are mandated reporters under California law
What We Value
Lived experience matters here. Many of our strongest team members grew up in the communities we serve or have direct experience with the systems our young people are working through. If that describes you, we want to hear from you. Formal credentials are welcome, but proximity, consistency, and the ability to build real relationships with young people come first.
Neutral Ground is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply, including people with lived experience of the justice system.
Pay: $23.00 per hour
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
