Youth Engagement Specialist

Company Overview

The Ohio Hispanic Coalition is a dedicated non-profit organization based in Columbus, Ohio, committed to improving the well-being and quality of Hispanic/Latino communities in Ohio.

Job Description

The Ohio Hispanic Coalition (OHCO) is in search of dedicated individuals to work as a Youth Engagement Specialist for the Juventud en Acción (Youth in Action) program. Staff will start on September 15th, 2025 and ending on December 31st, 2025, with possibility of continuation. The work schedule will be Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM with exception of program break periods and excluding federal holidays recognized by agency.

About the Program

The Juventud en Acción (Youth in Action) youth-led program engages Franklin County youth ages 14-17 in fostering youth leadership development, mental health promotion, substance use prevention, and positive community involvement. The program empowers youth participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to make a positive impact on their communities.

The program aims to break barriers to mental health stigmas while creating a safe environment for youth to explore strategies for emotional well-being, development, and advocacy. By focusing on key areas such as peer prevention, youth leadership, peer-led project planning and implementation, positive role modeling, and service learning the project promotes mental health awareness, social-emotional development, and proactive community engagement.

Participants will take part in prevention programming that includes mental health awareness initiatives, substance abuse prevention strategies, and social-emotional strategies. The program also incorporates culturally relevant activities like art, music, storytelling, events, field trips, group discussion, and other relevant activities that support program goals and objectives.

Role and Responsibilities

• Execute all daily responsibilities required for the operation.
• Communicate effectively and timely any problems, concerns, or comments surrounding activities, daily operations, and the safety of the students and staff members to supervisors.
• Provide direct supervision to the staff members in the completion of their respective duties.
• Develop periodic status reports regarding staff, daily operations, maintenance, and program effectiveness.
• Ability to make appropriate decisions when faced with difficult situations and resolve conflicts.
• Attend virtual and/or in-person meetings and training as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Maintain a healthy, safe, and clean work environment for staff and students.
• Maintain a flexible schedule and availability to assist in community events and provide outreach efforts.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service to the students, parents, instructors, staff, and visitors at all times.
• Serve as a liaison between high school participants and the program team, ensuring activities are relatable and engaging.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and facilitating youth workshops, events, and social media campaigns.
• Lead interactive activities during events.
• Develop and distribute culturally relevant educational materials for mental health promotion.
• Manage social media outreach, including creating content for the campaign.
• Act as a mentor to participating youth by fostering open discussions and providing guidance.
• Collaborate with adult allies and volunteers to ensure events run smoothly.
• Attend all required training sessions, including technical assistance meetings offered by ADAMH and Youth to Youth.
• Assist with event logistics, including setup, cleanup, and participant registration.
• Physical ability to lift and carry boxes up to 30 pounds.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age (required)
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. (required)
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable vehicle (required)
• Ability to pass a BCI Background Check (required)
• Fluent in English (required)
• Fluent in Spanish (required)
• Microsoft Word, and Excel technological abilities (required)
• Currently in high school or recently graduated from high school.
• Strong connection to high school-aged youth and ability to relate to their experiences.
• Passionate about mental health advocacy and youth empowerment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Creative and resourceful, with a proactive approach to completing tasks.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time, to talk and hear, to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, to climb or balance, to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, occasional bending, reaching or squatting. The individual is required to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. Also required is frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the telephone. More than 30% of time is spent outdoors. The noise level is normal to loud within an active program environment.

Job Type: Temporary. Position does not include benefits (paid medical leave, paid time off, health insurance, 401k retirement, etc.).

The Ohio Hispanic Coalition is an equal opportunity employer and fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. The Ohio Hispanic Coalition does not discriminate against associates or applicants because of race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, disability, marital status, familial status, or other characteristics protected by law. Equal employment is extended to all person in all aspects of the associate-employer relationship including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, reduction in staff, termination, assignment of benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.

Call-To-Action

• If you are passionate about making a difference among youth in the Franklin County community and possess the skills we seek, we invite you to apply and join us in our mission!

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person