Social Worker, Youth and Family Services

Job Title: Social Worker, Youth and Family Services

Reports To: Director of Programs

Location: Arlington, Virginia

Full-Time

Organizational Overview

The Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA) is a nonprofit organization building the next generation of leaders by creating pathways for young people to succeed in school, work, and life. As Arlington’s youth leadership and civic engagement infrastructure, CYFA provides coordinated supports that help youth move from opportunity, to growth, to meaningful contribution. Through prevention, diversion, after-school enrichment, workforce readiness, reentry support, and community-based services, CYFA connects young people to positive relationships, practical skills, and real opportunities that strengthen resilience and open doors to long-term success. We partner closely with schools, courts, families, and community organizations to ensure youth have consistent support across the systems that shape their lives.

Position Summary

The Social Worker, Youth & Family Services provides trauma-informed social-emotional support, care coordination, and family engagement services across CYFA's initiatives and programming, including:

• Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI)
• The Zone After-School Program
• Guiding Personal Success to Youth Employment Services After-School Program
• The Next Chapter Reentry Program

This role supports youth experiencing behavioral, emotional, academic, or system-related challenges by conducting psychosocial and strengths-based assessments, coordinating services, strengthening protective factors, and connecting youth and families to appropriate community resources.

The Social Worker plays a central role in integrating trauma-informed and behavioral health-informed practices across CYFA programs. This position focuses on assessment, stabilization, case management, skill-building, and service coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial and strengths-based assessments to identify youth and family needs, strengths, and barriers to success
• Develop individualized support and stabilization plans aligned with program goals
• Provide coaching and skill-building related to emotional regulation, conflict resolution, decision-making, and life skills
• Support youth navigating behavioral challenges, school disengagement, or justice-system involvement
• Engage caregivers and families to strengthen participation and long-term stability

Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI)

• Provide case management and family stabilization support for diversion participants
• Conduct needs assessments aligned with diversion plans
• Coordinate behavioral health and community-based referrals
• Support youth accountability and successful program completion

The Zone (After-School Program)

• Support staff in implementing trauma-informed behavioral strategies
• Assist with social-emotional supports for elementary-aged participants
• Identify emerging behavioral or family needs and connect families to resources

GPS2YES Workforce Readiness Program

• Support middle and high school youth facing barriers to academic engagement or employment readiness
• Provide coaching related to goal-setting, motivation, and personal development
• Conduct program-based assessments to identify support needs impacting participation

The Next Chapter Reentry Program

• Support justice-involved youth transitioning back into school, employment, or community settings
• Assist participants in accessing housing, education, workforce, and behavioral health resources
• Provide stabilization-focused case management during reentry transitions
• Coordinate referrals to licensed mental health providers, substance use treatment programs, housing resources, and crisis services when appropriate
• Collaborate with Arlington Public Schools, court partners, county agencies, and community organizations
• Participate in multidisciplinary case review meetings
• Support crisis response and safety planning in coordination with licensed professionals when needed
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation and participant records
• Support implementation of trauma-informed practices across CYFA programs
• Provide guidance to staff on youth engagement and behavioral support strategies
• Contribute to program evaluation and outcome tracking efforts
• Participate in trainings, staff meetings, and community engagement activities
• Perform other duties as assigned to support CYFA programs

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and family systems
• Strong youth engagement and relationship-building skills
• Experience conducting psychosocial or needs assessments
• Experience with case management and care coordination
• Commitment to restorative practices and positive youth development
• Ability to collaborate across education, justice, and community systems
• Excellent organizational, communication, and documentation skills
• Cultural humility and commitment to equity-centered practice

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or closely related field from an accredited institution
• Licensed or license-eligible in Virginia (LMSW preferred but not required at hire)
• Two (2) or more years of experience working with youth and families in community-based, school-based, or juvenile justice settings
• Experience working with system-involved or disinvested youth strongly preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in diversion, restorative justice, after-school, or workforce development programming
• Familiarity with Arlington County systems or community resources
• Bilingual abilities in Spanish or other languages strongly preferred

Necessary Special Requirements

All employees working directly with youth must complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

Certificates and Licenses Required

• Virginia Social Work license (LMSW) preferred or license eligibility
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $68,000- $75,000/yr

Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Three (3) weeks paid vacation, five (5) days paid sick leave
• Twelve (12) paid holidays annually
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to on-site building fitness center and wellness amenities

Pay: $68,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person