Youth Specialist Juvenile Justice Services

Job Details: Job Location: ADMIN - Portage, IN, Position Type: Part Time, Education Level: High School Diploma, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Travel Percentage: Up to 50% , Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services, Part-Time Youth Specialist – Juvenile Justice Services

Organization: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana (BGCGNWI)

Work Location: Porter County Juvenile Justice Services Building and Boys and Girls Clubs within Porter County

Position Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week

Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour

Reports To: Designated Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana Supervisor

Grant-Funded Position: This position is contingent upon the renewal, award, and continued funding of the Porter County Juvenile Justice Services FY27 Juvenile Community Corrections Grant. Employment in this position is not guaranteed beyond the availability of grant funding.

Position Summary

The Youth Specialist will serve as a part-time employee of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, working in partnership with Porter County Juvenile Justice Services (PCJJS) to provide structured, trauma-informed support, mentorship, leadership development, and reentry services to justice-involved youth.

The Youth Specialist will work within the Juvenile Justice Services building and the Porter County Boys & Girls Clubs as possible to help bridge the gap between facility-based services and community-based engagement. Through positive adult relationships, structured activities, and the principles of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Keystone Club program, the Youth Specialist will help youth develop leadership skills, strengthen pro-social behaviors, and prepare for successful participation in school, employment, family, and community life.

The position will collaborate with the occupational therapy practitioner, PCJJS staff, and BGCGNWI leadership to support individualized reentry goals and connect qualifying youth with safe, structured, and positive opportunities in the community. The Youth Specialist will promote accountability, personal growth, and successful transitions while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and adhering to all facility and organizational safety requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Youth Mentorship and Reentry Support

Develop positive, consistent, and supportive relationships with justice-involved youth through respectful, strengths-based mentorship.
Provide structured support to youth participating in reentry planning and related juvenile justice programming.
Assist youth in identifying personal strengths, interests, goals, and areas for growth.
Reinforce skills related to emotional regulation, communication, decision-making, problem-solving, accountability, and conflict resolution, as directed by the appropriate program staff.
Encourage youth to identify and pursue positive educational, career, leadership, and community goals.
Help youth prepare for successful transitions from facility-based services to community-based programs and supports.
Provide encouragement and consistent adult guidance throughout the reentry process.

2. Keystone Club Leadership Development

Support the implementation of Keystone Club programming for qualifying youth ages 14–18.
Facilitate or assist with structured activities based on the Keystone Club philosophy and focus areas:

Academic success.
Career preparation.
Community service.

Encourage youth participation in leadership development, teamwork, civic engagement, and positive decision-making.
Assist youth in planning and completing service projects and other pro-social activities.
Promote youth voice, leadership, responsibility, and ownership of program activities.
Coordinate with BGCGNWI staff to identify opportunities for youth to participate in club programming and community engagement after release, when appropriate.
Support the development of meaningful, age-appropriate activities that promote confidence, belonging, and a positive sense of identity.

3. Collaboration with Occupational Therapy and PCJJS

Work collaboratively with the occupational therapy practitioner assigned to the grant-funded initiative to support youth goals and reentry needs.
Reinforce strategies and skills identified through occupational therapy recommendations, within the Youth Specialist’s scope of training and responsibilities.
Participate in team meetings, case coordination, and program planning as requested at both JJS and BGCGNWI.
Assist with identifying appropriate youth for Keystone Club programming in coordination with authorized PCJJS and staff.
Support continuity of care by helping connect facility-based interventions with community-based mentoring and youth development opportunities.
Maintain clear professional boundaries and communicate concerns to the appropriate supervisor or designated PCJJS personnel.
Do not independently conduct clinical assessments, diagnose conditions, provide occupational therapy, or develop clinical treatment plans.

4. Community-Based Engagement and Connections

Help connect eligible justice-involved youth with BGCGNWI memberships and appropriate club-based programming.
Promote participation in safe, structured, and supportive community environments.
Assist youth with identifying positive recreational, educational, leadership, and service opportunities.
Encourage continued engagement with trusted adults, mentors, and community supports following release, as authorized by the program.
Collaborate with BGCGNWI club staff to support a welcoming and successful transition into community-based programming.
Help reduce barriers to participation by providing encouragement, information, and appropriate referrals to available resources.

5. Youth Safety, Supervision, and Positive Behavior Support

Maintain a safe, respectful, structured, and inclusive environment for all participating youth.
Follow all PCJJS security procedures, facility rules, visitor requirements, and youth supervision protocols.
Follow BGCGNWI policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
Use trauma-informed, restorative, and developmentally appropriate approaches when interacting with youth.
Recognize and appropriately respond to behavioral concerns, escalating situations, and potential safety risks in accordance with established procedures.
Immediately report safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, threats, or other incidents to the appropriate PCJJS and BGCGNWI personnel.
Maintain confidentiality and protect youth information in accordance with applicable laws, facility requirements, and organizational policies.
Maintain appropriate boundaries with youth, including professional communication, interactions, and contact outside approved program activities.

6. Documentation and Program Evaluation

Maintain accurate records of attendance, participation, activities, and services provided, as required by BGCGNWI and PCJJS.
Document youth engagement, progress toward assigned program goals, and participation in Keystone Club activities.
Provide timely updates to the designated supervisor and authorized program partners.
Assist with collecting program participation information and other non-clinical data needed to evaluate program effectiveness.
Support grant reporting and performance measurement activities, including documentation related to youth engagement, reentry support, and Keystone Club participation.
Maintain accurate and timely timesheets and other required employment records.

7. Professional Development and Additional Responsibilities

Attend required BGCGNWI onboarding, training, and professional development activities.
Complete all required facility-specific training and clearances before beginning assigned duties.
Participate in trauma-informed care, youth development, de-escalation, and other relevant training as required or available.
Maintain current knowledge of BGCGNWI programs, resources, and youth development practices.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the designated BGCGNWI supervisor that are consistent with the purpose and scope of the position.
Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required, college degree preferred.
At least 21 years of age, or otherwise meet all applicable facility and employment requirements.
Experience working with youth, preferably adolescents or youth involved in community, school, mentoring, juvenile justice, or youth development programs.
Demonstrated ability to build positive, professional relationships with youth.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to work collaboratively with facility personnel, clinical professionals, community partners, and BGCGNWI staff.
Ability to follow established safety procedures, maintain professional boundaries, and work in a structured juvenile justice environment.
Successful completion of all required background checks, screenings, facility approvals, and training requirements.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

Work will primarily occur within the Porter County Juvenile Justice Services building.
The position may require extended periods of standing, walking, sitting, and participating in youth activities.
Ability to move throughout the assigned facility and participate in activities appropriate to the position.
Ability to respond appropriately to facility safety procedures and emergency situations.
The work environment may involve youth experiencing emotional distress, behavioral challenges, or other complex needs.
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Schedule and Compensation

Approximately 20 hours per week, daytime and evening hours.
Hourly rate of $20.00.
Specific days and hours will be established in coordination with BGCGNWI and Porter County Juvenile Justice Services based on program needs and facility availability.
This is a part-time, non-exempt position. Hours must be approved and recorded in accordance with BGCGNWI policies.
The position is funded through the Porter County Juvenile Justice Services FY27 Juvenile Community Corrections Grant and is contingent upon grant renewal, award, and continued funding.
Grant funding, program needs, and operational requirements may affect the continuation, schedule, or scope of the position.

Employment Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the Youth Specialist. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. Duties may be modified as program needs, grant requirements, facility procedures, or organizational priorities change. Employment is subject to BGCGNWI policies, applicable employment requirements, successful completion of required screenings and approvals, and the availability of grant funding. Nothing in this job description creates a contract of employment or guarantees employment for any specific duration.

Grant-Funded Position: This position is contingent upon the renewal, award, and continued funding of the Porter County Juvenile Justice Services FY27 Juvenile Community Corrections Grant. Employment in this position is not guaranteed beyond the availability of grant funding.