Resource, Education and Engagement Specialist

Organizational Overview:

S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. is a grassroots, community-focused nonprofit dedicated to youth, family, and community development, specializing in youth, gang, and gun violence prevention and intervention. Our mission is to increase safety and foster a sense of community belonging among youth and families across Long Island. We achieve this by providing alternatives to high-risk behaviors for our youth and empowering families, residents, and stakeholders to advocate for socially responsible initiatives in their communities.

Founded in 2000 in response to the tragic murder of a Uniondale youth, S.T.R.O.N.G. was the first youth-driven, multi-ethnic organization on Long Island tackling youth violence. While we have made significant strides in the past 25 years, expanding our programs and reach, our commitment to a grassroots approach remains at the core of our work.

Today, S.T.R.O.N.G. is a small but dynamic nonprofit serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

We are offering candidates a unique opportunity to bring their significant experience and expertise to a pivotal role within our growing organization. This is an exciting prospect for individuals who thrive in a small, close-knit team environment and are passionate about contributing to our mission while helping elevate our organization to the next level.

Program Overview:

Our Brentwood Change program comprises two programs, a School/Community program at West Middle School and a community-based violence intervention program.

The STRONG University (violence intervention) program works with high-risk youth (ages 14-20) involved in the criminal justice system and/or are gang affiliated/involved. We provide case management, career development, education and criminal justice advocacy, mentoring, family support, and substance abuse referrals, helping youth make positive, sustainable life changes.

The West Middle School Violence Prevention Program is a prevention/intervention initiative that provides youth in grades 6 through 8 with the education, skills, and support they need to improve their school performance and behavior. It's designed to reduce the risks of future problem behaviors such as dropping out of school, violence, and gang involvement. The program includes socio-emotional workshops, after-school activities, and educational advocacy services. It also comprises community-based youth counseling, case management services, group mentoring, and family support and engagement activities.

Position Overview:

The Resource, Education, and Engagement Specialist is a committed professional who provides trauma-informed, client-centered support and advocacy for parents and guardians of at-promise youth, and the communities they live in. In this role, the Specialist offers parent and community education, promotes engagement, and connects families to vital services. By fostering partnerships that enhance our capacity to serve youth and families, this position also helps advance our organization’s overall mission.

Serving both current caseloads and the wider community impacted by trafficking, violence, and systemic barriers, the Specialist focuses on building resilience and empowering families. A strong commitment to collaboration, community-building, and raising awareness about violence prevention and intervention is essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

Group Facilitation and Planning

• Organize and lead weekly trauma-informed informational groups for parents, creating peer networks to foster resilience and shared experiences, and increasing awareness of available resources.
• Plan and facilitate community-based focus groups, community awareness initiatives and forums on the underlying issues that lead to youth and community violence, empowering individuals to take action and be active agents of change in their lives and communities.
• Develop structured agendas and materials for workshops, town halls and networking events.

Community Engagement & Advocacy:

• Invite and attend community events with parents, encouraging them to be active recipients of resources, connections and information.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with schools, community organizations, social service agencies, and local businesses to expand available resources.
• Serve as a liaison between STRONG and the broader community in order to help families feel connected and supported.

Caseload Family Support & Advocacy:

• Provide informational support to parents/guardians of youth involved in STRONG University and WMS Chapter programs.
• Provide our Intervention Case Manager and WMS Youth & Family Engagement Specialist assistance in obtaining information on available legal, educational, and social service systems, including law enforcement, child welfare, and victim services.
• Advocate for caseload families within schools, courts, and other agencies to ensure children receive appropriate accommodations, resources, and educational opportunities, as needed.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate, confidential records of all interactions with families and community partners.
• Track program goals, compliance standards, and legal documentation requirements.
• Prepare reports and updates for management, funding sources and regulatory agencies.
• Participate in team meetings and program evaluations with supervisor.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education/Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field (required).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in community-based family support services, and community engagement.
• Knowledge of local community resources and social issues affecting marginalized youth, families and communities.
• Preferred skills:
• Direct experience working in youth development, violence prevention and intervention and advocacy roles.

Skills:

• Bilingual (Spanish) REQUIRED.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with parents, caregivers and community networks while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Strong organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently.
• Experience with diverse communities and demonstrated cultural competency.
• Proficient in computer skills and maintaining confidentiality.

Other Requirements:

• Valid NYS Driver's License and access to a motor vehicle.
• Flexible work schedule. Mixed late day, evening, and weekend hours may be required to accommodate family availability and community events/activities.

Working Conditions:
This role requires working in a community setting in Suffolk County. Day/afternoon/evening and weekend flexibility is needed to accommodate parent/caregiver availability, community activities and events. The role also involves working with families with trauma, requiring flexibility in approaches, sensitivity, and patience, and the ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Disclaimer:
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This position may be required to perform other duties. If such work becomes a permanent and regular part of the job, a new description will be prepared.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital or family status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to attracting, retaining and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce.

• Women-led organization
• Inclusive of minority and disadvantaged groups

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 21 – 24 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $24