Position Summary
The RYSE Program Specialist provides individual skill-building, mentorship, and therapeutic support to justice-involved youth participating in the Recognize Your Strengths Everyday (R.Y.S.E.) Program. The specialist works collaboratively with youth to increase self-awareness, emotional regulation, communication skills, decision-making, accountability, and healthy identity development. Services are provided within juvenile justice settings and community environments while maintaining a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered approach.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop meaningful therapeutic relationships with youth through consistency, authenticity, and respect.
- Facilitate weekly individual RYSE sessions using the established curriculum.
- Teach emotional regulation, communication skills, goal setting, problem-solving, and healthy coping strategies.
- Help youth identify personal strengths and develop healthier narratives about themselves and their future.
- Utilize motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral interventions, mindfulness, and strengths-based approaches to promote behavioral change.
- Support youth in recognizing emotional triggers and developing effective self-regulation strategies.
- Collaborate with probation officers, caseworkers, detention staff, schools, treatment providers, and families as appropriate.
- Complete timely and accurate documentation, including progress notes, monthly summaries, treatment updates, and discharge reports.
- Monitor youth progress toward individualized service goals and modify interventions as needed.
- Maintain professional boundaries while serving as a positive role model and mentor.
- Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing professional development.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Counseling, Education, or a related field required.
- Master's degree preferred.
- Experience working with adolescents, particularly justice-involved or high-risk youth.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, adolescent development, emotional regulation, and behavioral interventions.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills.
- Ability to engage resistant youth through relationship building rather than confrontation.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining communication with supervisors and community partners.
Desired Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Authenticity and emotional maturity.
- Excellent active listening skills.
- Patience and consistency.
- A calm presence during emotionally challenging situations.
- Confidence without being authoritarian.
- Strong boundaries while remaining approachable.
- Cultural humility and respect for diverse backgrounds.
- A belief that every young person possesses strengths that can be developed.
Core Competencies
- Relationship Building
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Emotional Intelligence
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive and Behavioral Skill Development
- Conflict Resolution
- Crisis De-escalation
- Clinical Documentation
- Professional Communication
- Youth Advocacy
Physical and Work Requirements
- Ability to travel between service locations as required.
- Ability to pass all required background clearances.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Ability to work within juvenile justice facilities, schools, homes, and community settings.
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Coatesville, PA 19320
