Youth Development Specialist - LYNC in Hartford, Connecticut at The Village for Families and Children

About us: The Village was one of the first agencies in the country to provide homes for neglected children. Today, we continue to achieve our mission "to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children" by providing a full range of behavioral health, early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment and support services for children, adults and families in the Greater Hartford, Connecticut region.

Named a Connecticut Top Workplace for five consecutive years with national distinction for workplace culture and diversity, equity and inclusion practices, you can be sure you’re joining an organization that’s just as committed to your success as we are to those we serve.

Starting pay: $19.23 hourly

At LYNC, we believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive. Our team walks alongside youth and families as they navigate challenges, build resilience, and pursue meaningful goals. As a Service Specialist, you become a vital connector—linking youth to the resources, skills, and opportunities that help them succeed.

This role blends community engagement, group facilitation, and hands-on educational and vocational support. You’ll work in partnership with families, schools, community organizations, and our internal team to create pathways toward stability, growth, and long-term success.

If you’re energized by relationship-building, passionate about youth development, and motivated by real community impact, this is where your work truly matters.

What You’ll Do

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with community partners, grassroots organizations, and service providers.
• Maintain deep knowledge of local resources and help youth and families access the supports they need.
• Facilitate cognitive-behavioral and life-skills groups that promote positive decision-making and personal growth.
• Support youth academically and vocationally through tutoring, credit recovery, GED assistance, job readiness, and career exploration.
• Work closely with the Family Advocate to ensure families receive coordinated, holistic support.
• Create safe, welcoming, culturally responsive spaces where youth feel seen, heard, and empowered.
• Serve as a trusted resource to Juvenile Probation Officers and other community stakeholders.
• Uphold program expectations, complete documentation, and participate in ongoing training and quality assurance.

What You Bring

• Associate’s degree in a related field or 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Cultural competence and the ability to engage diverse youth and families; bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Strong communication skills and comfort facilitating youth groups.
• Knowledge of community resources in the greater Hartford and New Britain areas.
• Creativity, flexibility, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and required insurance.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends.

Why Join LYNC

• You’ll be part of a mission-driven team committed to equity, empowerment, and positive youth development.
• You’ll have the freedom to innovate, build community partnerships, and shape programming that truly impacts lives.
• You’ll work in an environment that values cultural humility, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• You’ll help create safer, stronger communities—one young person at a time.