About:
At Project Youth OC (PYOC), our mission is to meet young people at a turning point and, through guidance, education, and family-centered support, empower them to build a path toward success. As one of Orange County’s longest-standing and most effective youth-serving organizations, PYOC provides prevention, intervention, mentorship, and parent enrichment programs that strengthen families, expand access to resources, and keep at-promise youth in school, healthy, and connected to opportunity. Every day, and in every role, our staff contribute to this mission by delivering individualized, culturally responsive services that uplift youth and caregivers, serving more than 1,500 young people and families each year through our commitment to empowerment, collaboration, accountability, and community connection.
Role: Program Specialist
Program: Shortstop
Department: Youth Development Programs
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Reports to: Manager of Youth Development Programs
Classification: Non-exempt Full Time
Salary Range: $45k-$55k
Eligibility: Authorization to work for any employer in the United States is required.
Summary:
Project Youth OC provides transformative youth programs that break cycles of poverty and justice system involvement by promoting education, career development, and community engagement. The Program Specialist is an entry-level position that plays an essential frontline role within the Shortstop Diversion and Behavioral Support Program, supporting youth and their caregivers as they navigate a structured intervention designed to reduce recidivism and strengthen family communication. This role focuses on direct service delivery, case management support, resource linkage, and active participation in program sessions, ensuring that every young person and caregiver receives personalized guidance and the tools needed for long-term success.
You’ll be responsible for:
Case Management Support:
- Conduct youth and caregiver intake assessments using approved screening tools, ensuring accurate information gathering and a trauma-informed, youth-centered approach.
- Provide individualized case management support to youth and caregivers, including resource referrals, progress monitoring, and regular check-ins throughout their participation in the program.
- Support youth and caregivers in completing all Shortstop program requirements and maintain communication to ensure clarity, accountability, and encouragement.
- Manage a monthly caseload of approximately 15-30 clients, reviewing progress and caseload needs with your supervisor regularly.
- Document all client interactions and service delivery according to Project Youth OC standards, seeking guidance from senior staff when needed.
- Complete all case management duties assigned by your supervisor with professionalism and a positive, team-focused attitude.
Data Collection and Evaluation Support:
- Enter accurate, timely, and comprehensive case notes into Salesforce, ensuring all youth and caregiver information is up-to-date and complete.
- Support evaluation efforts by helping collect and input all required participant data, including attendance, pre- and post-program surveys, and follow-up documentation.
- Assist with data-related tasks assigned by your supervisor to help maintain program quality and reporting accuracy.
- Complete all data responsibilities with attention to detail and commitment to continuous learning.
Program Support:
- Assist in the delivery of Shortstop pre- and post-program sessions, supporting youth, caregivers, instructors, and program leadership during session activities.
- Help prepare, organize, and track all materials needed for program facilitation, ensuring a smooth and impactful experience for families.
- Offer ideas for activities or improvements that enhance youth engagement, strengthen family communication, and support program outcomes.
- Maintain a supportive presence during sessions and be willing to assist instructors and staff as needed.
- Complete all program support duties assigned by your supervisor with a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset.
Outreach Support:
- Participate in outreach activities, including school presentations, community events, and partner meetings, as assigned by your supervisor.
- Provide clear, accurate information about Project Youth OC programs to youth, families, and community partners during outreach and engagement opportunities.
- Collaborate with Project Youth OC staff to prepare outreach materials and coordinate event logistics.
- Complete all outreach-related responsibilities assigned by your supervisor with enthusiasm and professionalism.
You must have:
- 0-2 years of work experience, preferably in nonprofit youth services.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with youth and caregivers.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including youth, families, schools, and system partners.
- Demonstrated passion for empowering youth and supporting families through restorative, strengths-based approaches.
It’s an added plus if you have:
- Coursework or a degree in Education, Human Services, Sociology, Criminology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field.
- Knowledge of the juvenile justice system, including processes, expectations, and partner agencies.
- Experience in youth engagement, workshop facilitation, or community programming.
- Familiarity with Salesforce or similar data systems.
You’ll be successful if:
You get things done
You keep your cool under pressure and know how to prioritize your responsibilities. And when you need help, you're not afraid to ask.
You are client-centric
You dive into every detail to ensure that every client/volunteer who steps in the door feels a touch of personal care and presence. You are willing to go above and beyond to make each experience special and love stepping outside the box with the creativity to do so.
You are highly organized and detail-oriented
You prioritize well and can manage important projects, schedules, and communications in an orderly fashion. You can handle and prioritize several projects at once.
You are trustworthy and professional.
You've proven you're equipped to handle and maintain confidential information. Even if no one else were in the office, you'd work just as hard and as meticulously.
You’re a team player.
You can coordinate efforts with many different internal and external departments to get the job done right. You use sound judgment and intuitive analysis. And you know to follow up to ensure everyone's on the same page. You're confident in your skills and not afraid to speak your mind, but you know how to put the team first.
You believe in the future of Project Youth.
You take your responsibilities seriously; the success of this role is critical to our organization’s growth.
Why Choose Project Youth OC?
You’ll have a career that truly makes a difference in the lives of young people and their families. You will join a team committed to doing the work and challenging each other to be an organization where everyone is respected and heard. You’ll experience a culture committed to providing genuine opportunities for people to thrive. You’ll receive quarterly personal and professional development opportunities. You’ll receive generous vacation and 14 paid holidays off in addition to a week in December! You’ll qualify to receive comprehensive health insurance (and we pay 100% of your employee contribution premiums for medical, dental, vision, AND basic life insurance), 403(b) retirement plan with 3% match.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The environmental conditions described are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the job's functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
- Routine office environment.
- Routine independent travel.
- Frequent travel to program sites.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and required skills. Job Description may be subject to change to meet the needs of the organization.
Your employment with PYOC is “at will,” meaning that either you or PYOC may end your employment at any time and with or without cause.
Pay: From $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
