Youth Development Specialist

LA County has declared a local state of emergency for homelessness and is expanding its response to address housing, mental health, and substance use. The Department of Youth Development is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Youth Development Specialist vacancies related to this crisis.

About the role

The Department seeks Youth Development Specialists for the following areas:

• Coordination & Innovation: Lead evidence-informed program and policy design, develop research and evaluation strategies, and facilitate strategic partnerships and community engagement to advance best practices in youth development.
• Youth Diversion: Facilitate planning, implementation, and ongoing review of youth diversion programming between community providers and law enforcement, including learning exchanges and training.
• Facility-Based Programming: Develop, plan, and implement youth development programming for justice-involved youth in juvenile hall, camps, and Secure Youth Treatment Facilities operated by the Los Angeles County Probation Department.
• Facility-Based Youth Development Coordination: Engage directly with youth in juvenile halls, camps, and Secure Youth Treatment Facilities to provide strengths-based assessments, coordinate supportive programming, and facilitate reentry planning.

Under the emergency order, applicants may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment based on a performance assessment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of youth development programs, policies, and projects, including care plans for incarcerated youth to support reentry.
• Conduct outreach, engagement, and storytelling to raise awareness of DYD programs and uplift youth narratives.
• Provide relationship-based contract and project management to build capacity and cooperation with agencies, institutions, and Community-Based Organizations.
• Monitor, evaluate, and facilitate learning and capacity-building among service providers to ensure program effectiveness.
• Conduct mixed-methods research to evaluate DYD programs and develop recommendations for improvement.
• Develop working relationships with city, county, legal, court, law enforcement, educational institutions, and other entities to advance a youth development framework.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, data, and manage confidential records in compliance with legal requirements.
• Engage in reflection and analysis of gaps and opportunities, incorporating feedback from youth and families for ongoing improvement.

Requirements

Selection Requirement: Two years of experience managing youth- or young adult programs at the level of Youth Development Ambassador or similar position, including:

• Overseeing youth reentry or development programs within community-based or public organizations.
• Conducting research and evaluation to inform or enhance youth development or justice system programs.
• Analyzing and recommending solutions for operational challenges related to budget, fiscal, or personnel for youth services.

License: A valid California Class C Driver License or ability to use alternative transportation for job-related functions.

Physical Class: Light physical effort, including occasional light lifting (up to 10 pounds) and ambulation.

Qualifications

Desirable qualifications include individuals with personal or familial exposure to:

• Justice system involvement.
• The Child Welfare System.
• Underserved communities.
• Youth experiencing homelessness.

Schedule

Applicants may be required to work any shift, including days, weekends, and holidays.