Youth Development Specialist II

POSITION SUMMARY Youth Development Specialists (YDS) provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and developmentally appropriate support to youth and Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs) in the Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP). The YDS II supports youth and families through parent-partner–based engagement, advocacy, and collaborative care coordination. This role participates in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings, provides collateral services tied to treatment and Needs & Services Plans (NSP), and assists with comprehensive needs assessments and service planning. The YDS II helps youth access educational, behavioral health, and community resources, facilitates communication between youth, families, and service teams, and supports life skills development and basic needs navigation. This position plays a key role in crisis prevention, safety planning, and ensuring youth and caregivers receive consistent, coordinated, and culturally grounded support. Includes ALL Level I duties plus: Core Duties ● Provide parent/caregiver engagement, advocacy, coaching, and support. ● Participate in Child & Family Team (CFT) meetings and contribute insight from lived experience. ● Provide billable collateral services related to treatment goals and the youth’s Needs & Services Plan (NSP). ● Assist in reunification efforts, family therapy preparation, and family communication skill-building. ● Support youth in navigating school, probation, IEP/504 meetings, and community systems. ● Provide transportation and coordinate essential 30-day medical/dental/vision appointments. ● Conduct 1:1 supportive check-ins with youth on progress toward their case plan goals. ● Maintain required documentation of family visits, collateral contacts, and case coordination tasks. ● Advocate for family and youth needs with schools, probation, county workers, and care teams. Focus ● Family engagement ● Collateral and psychoeducation ● Treatment and NSP alignment ● Youth and parent advocacy Minimum Requirements Education & Experience ● High School Diploma or GED required ● College coursework required in behavioral science or related field ○ Minimum of 24 semester units (or 36 quarter units) in areas such as: ■ Social Work ■ Psychology ■ Sociology ■ Child & Adolescent Development ■ Human Services or related field ● Associate’s Degree preferred ● Minimum 1–2 years of experience working with youth in residential, community-based, or behavioral health settings Skills ● Intermediate documentation and computer skills ● Ability to de-escalate situations and support youth through behavioral challenges ● Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed and culturally responsive care ● Ability to work independently while maintaining team communication Training Requirements ● Must complete 40+ hours of annual in-service training ● Must maintain CPR/First Aid certification ● Completion of agency-required training modules (CPI, trauma-informed care, Title 22, documentation standards, etc.) Certificates, Licenses, and Clearances ● Valid California Driver’s License with acceptable DMV record ● CPR/First Aid Certification ● DOJ/FBI fingerprint clearance ● Child Abuse Index (CACI) check ● TB clearance and health screening ● Meets all CCL requirements for STRTP direct care staff Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour Expected hours: 20.0 – 40.0 per week Work Location: In person