Youth Empowerment Specialist (Greater Pittsburgh)

Position Summary

The PEAL Center is seeking a passionate, relationship-centered, part time (15-20 hrs/week) Youth Empowerment Specialist to support youth leadership development and transition-to-adulthood programming for youth and young adults with disabilities throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging trainings, presentations, and workshops for youth, young adults, families, educators, and professionals, both virtually and in person.
• Provide individualized support, mentoring, and information to youth and families related to transition planning, self-advocacy, disability rights, and community resources.
• Serve as a positive role model and mentor to youth and young adults with disabilities.
• Build relationships with schools, youth-serving organizations, and community partners throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region.
• Represent PEAL at regional and statewide conferences, workshops, and community events by delivering presentations, participating on panels, and sharing resources with youth, families, educators, and professionals.
• Aid in outreach activities, including community events, conferences, resource fairs, and presentations.
• Maintain participant data, evaluations, and required reporting documentation.
• Identify and share youth-focused resources, opportunities, and events through PEAL communications channels.
• Help strengthen youth leadership opportunities and peer networks across Pennsylvania.
• Participate in team meetings, collaborative initiatives, and assigned planning groups.
• Demonstrate professionalism, cultural responsiveness, and a strong commitment to disability inclusion and equity.

Qualifications

• Highly Preferred:
  • Young adult self-advocate with a disability.
  • Personal experience navigating special education, transition planning, disability services, employment, postsecondary education, or adult service systems.
  • Experience using self-advocacy skills to achieve personal, educational, employment, or community goals.
  • Passion for mentoring, supporting, and empowering other youth and young adults with disabilities.
  • Comfortable sharing personal experiences, when appropriate, to encourage and inspire others.
• Required:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience working with youth, young adults, and/or individuals with disabilities.
  • Strong communication, relationship-building, and facilitation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms.
• Preferred:
  • Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, disability studies, human services, or a related field.
  • Familiarity with transition-related systems and laws such as IDEA, ADA, WIOA, OVR, or Medicaid Waivers.
  • Experience delivering trainings, workshops, or presentations.
  • Experience facilitating youth leadership activities, mentoring programs, or peer support initiatives.
  • Connections within the Greater Pittsburgh education, disability, or youth-serving communities.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region and occasionally throughout Pennsylvania for trainings, conferences, meetings, and special events.
• Comfortable presenting to groups of varying sizes, including youth, families, educators, professionals, and community partners.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are helpful but not required. Candidates must be able to travel independently and reliably throughout the region using transportation methods that work best for them, including personal vehicle, public transportation, paratransit, rideshare services, or other accessible transportation options.
• Must obtain required background clearances, including Act 33/34 and FBI clearances, if not already current.

To Apply

To apply please email your resume & cover letter to careers@pealcenter.org.