Youth Community Engagement Specialist

Job Summary
The Youth Community Engagement Specialist provides direct support and skill-building services to youth participating in Community Engagement Services. The Specialist assists youth in developing independent living skills, social skills, community integration, emotional regulation, behavioral management, self-advocacy, and meaningful participation in community activities. Services are provided in accordance with Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) regulations, Medicaid requirements, the Individual Service Plan (ISP), and Unity Youth Services, LLC policies and procedures.

The Youth Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for maintaining professional relationships with youth, families, schools, community partners, and treatment providers while ensuring all services are person-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and focused on achieving measurable outcomes.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Direct Service Delivery

• Provide Community Engagement services as outlined in each youth's Individual Service Plan (ISP).
• Assist youth with developing social, emotional, communication, independent living, and community integration skills.
• Support youth in accessing community resources, recreational opportunities, educational experiences, volunteer activities, and vocational exploration opportunities.
• Promote self-advocacy, self-determination, and informed choice.
• Implement behavioral support strategies and interventions identified in the ISP, Behavioral Support Plan, Safety Plan, or Crisis Plan.
• Assist youth in developing coping skills, emotional regulation techniques, problem-solving abilities, and healthy decision-making skills.
• Provide supervision and support during community-based activities.
• Transport youth when authorized and approved by the agency.
• Ensure youth remain safe and engaged during service delivery.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical conduct at all times.

Individual Service Plan (ISP) Implementation

• Review and understand each assigned youth's ISP prior to service delivery.
• Implement goals, objectives, risk management strategies, and support activities identified in the ISP.
• Monitor youth progress toward desired outcomes.
• Communicate concerns, barriers, and recommendations to the Program Director.
• Participate in ISP meetings, treatment team meetings, staffing meetings, and family meetings as requested.
• Ensure services are delivered in accordance with person-centered planning principles.

Documentation and Electronic Health Records

• Complete all required documentation accurately and within agency timelines.
• Maintain detailed and objective progress notes using approved DAP documentation standards.
• Enter documentation into the agency's Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Document interventions, youth responses, progress toward goals, significant events, and service outcomes.
• Ensure all documentation meets Medicaid, DBHDS, and agency requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.

Safety, Risk Management, and Compliance

• Ensure the health, safety, welfare, and supervision of youth during service delivery.
• Follow all emergency preparedness procedures and agency safety protocols.
• Immediately report incidents, injuries, suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, human rights concerns, and safety concerns.
• Complete Serious Incident Reports (SIRs) within required timeframes.
• Participate in emergency drills and safety exercises.
• Utilize approved de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques when necessary.
• Follow all DBHDS, Medicaid, and agency compliance requirements.
• Report concerns regarding youth safety, behavioral escalation, or environmental risks to supervisory staff immediately.

Family and Team Collaboration

• Maintain professional communication with parents, guardians, schools, community partners, and service providers.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, trainings, and agency events as required.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support positive outcomes for youth.
• Provide updates regarding youth progress, service needs, and barriers to success.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Education, Criminal Justice, or a related field preferred.
• Valid Virginia Driver's License required.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Proof of current automobile insurance required.
• Ability to work independently and in community-based settings.
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with youth, families, and community partners.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, developmental disabilities, behavioral health, autism spectrum disorders, or mental health services preferred.

REQUIRED TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS

All employees must successfully complete agency orientation and required trainings before working independently with youth and must maintain all required certifications throughout employment.

Core Orientation Training Agency Orientation
Employee Handbook Review
DAP Documentation Training
EHR System Training
ISP Interpretation and Implementation Training
Confidentiality and HIPAA Training
Mandated Reporter Training
Professional Boundaries Training
Cultural Competency Training

DBHDS Required Training Human Rights Training
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Training
Serious Incident Reporting (SIR) Training
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response Training
Trauma-Informed Care Training
Person-Centered Practices Training

Clinical and Behavioral TrainingTherapeutic Options Training
Behavioral Support Training
Positive Behavior Support Training
Crisis Prevention and De-escalation Training
Autism Spectrum Disorder Training
Mental Health Awareness Training
Suicide Prevention and Intervention Training
Strength-Based Service Delivery Training

Health and Safety Training Medication Management Training
CPR Certification
First Aid Certification
AED Certification
Infection Prevention and Control Training
Universal Precautions Training
Risk Management and Safety Training

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for employment with Unity Youth Services, LLC, applicants must successfully complete and maintain all required screenings, background checks, and regulatory clearances required by DBHDS, Medicaid, and agency policy.

Applicants must:

Successfully pass a Criminal History Record Check.
Successfully pass a Virginia State Police Background Check.
Successfully pass a Child Protective Services (CPS) Central Registry Search.
Successfully pass all required DBHDS screening requirements.
Successfully complete employment verification and reference checks.
Provide proof of education, certifications, and training credentials.
Successfully complete agency orientation and all required trainings.
Demonstrate the ability to work professionally with youth and families.

BARRIER CRIMES AND DISQUALIFYING OFFENSES

Because Unity Youth Services, LLC serves children and adolescents, individuals with certain criminal convictions or founded findings may be prohibited from employment.

Disqualifying offenses may include, but are not limited to:

Murder or Manslaughter
Felony Assault and Battery
Malicious Wounding
Abduction or Kidnapping
Robbery
Carjacking
Arson
Sexual Assault
Sexual Battery
Aggravated Sexual Battery
Rape
Crimes Against Children
Child Abuse
Child Neglect
Child Endangerment
Child Pornography
Human Trafficking
Domestic Violence Offenses prohibited by law
Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults
Felony Drug Manufacturing or Distribution
Any offense requiring Sex Offender Registration
Any offense identified by Virginia law, DBHDS regulations, Medicaid requirements, or agency policy as a barrier crime.

Applicants must have no barrier crimes that would prohibit employment in programs serving children and adolescents.

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES (CPS) CENTRAL REGISTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must successfully pass a Virginia Child Protective Services (CPS) Central Registry Search. Individuals with founded complaints of child abuse or neglect that prohibit employment under Virginia law, Medicaid requirements, or DBHDS regulations will not be eligible for employment.

ONGOING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Employees are required to notify the Program Director immediately, and no later than the next business day, if they:

Are arrested or charged with a criminal offense.
Are convicted of a criminal offense.
Become the subject of a protective services investigation.
Receive a founded CPS complaint.
Experience any circumstance that may affect their eligibility to work with youth.

Failure to report such information may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, stoop, and participate in community activities for extended periods.
Ability to safely assist youth during emergencies.
Ability to safely transport youth when required.
Ability to respond appropriately during crisis situations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Services are primarily provided in community settings including schools, libraries, recreation centers, volunteer sites, businesses, parks, community organizations, and other approved locations. Employees may also perform documentation, meetings, and training activities in office settings.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Employees will be evaluated on:

Quality of service delivery.
Professionalism and ethical conduct.
Compliance with DBHDS and Medicaid requirements.
Timeliness and accuracy of documentation.
Attendance and reliability.
Youth engagement and outcome achievement.
Teamwork and communication.
Adherence to agency policies and procedures.

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Work Location: In person