Youth Development Specialist - Bridge To Wellness in Gaithersburg, Maryland at Identity, Inc.

Position Title: Youth Development Specialist- Bridge to Wellness

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Budget Responsibilities: None

Reports To: Program Manager

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Effective Dates: July 1, 2026

Closing Date: Until filled

POSITION SUMMARY:

Identity’s Bridge to Wellness Program is a collaboration between Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services and Montgomery County Public Schools and other agency providers in high schools throughout the county. The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) is a key member of the Identity and Bridge to Wellness team, dedicated to advancing the social-emotional and physical wellbeing, nurturing leadership potential, and overall resilience of youth. Grounded in the Positive Youth Development (PYD) Framework, this role delivers both individual and group-based services that are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in the lived experiences of the students and their communities. Through creative, engaging, and relationship-centered approaches, the specialist helps young people strengthen protective factors, build life skills, and develop a strong sense of self and belonging. By honoring youth identities and amplifying their strengths, the YDS empowers students to navigate challenges, foster meaningful connections, and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Recruit and Retain Youth: Actively recruit and engage eligible youth in lunchtime, after-school programs, and occasional evening and weekend activities, ensuring consistent participation and meaningful involvement.
2. Facilitate Enriching Activities: Plan and lead engaging activities that foster positive social interactions, academic, socio-emotional, and physical wellbeing.
3. Provide Individual Support: Meet regularly with youth to offer mentoring, coaching, advocacy, and support, with the goal of building strong, trusting, and lasting relationships.
4. Teach Life and Social Skills: Facilitate sessions that promote social-emotional development, including lessons on communication, coping strategies, healthy relationships, leadership, and life skills.
5. Organize Recreational Programming: Design and implement creative recreational and enrichment activities—such as sports, arts, gardening, and games—that promote physical health, creativity, and community building.
6. Lead Service-Learning Projects: Coordinate community service initiatives where students can earn hours of Student Service Learning (SSL) while developing civic engagement and teamwork skills.
7. Develop Individualized Plans: Create individualized service plans for each youth using SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) to guide personal growth and progress.
8. Document Program Outcomes: Administer and record pre/post surveys, interactions with youth, staff, and families, maintain case notes, and make appropriate referrals to support services through Identity’s and County databases.
9. Maintain Comprehensive Records: Keep up to date, organized physical and electronic case files for all participants, including required forms, releases, surveys, and documentation of services.
10. Collaborate with Schools: Build and maintain strong partnerships with school administrators, counselors, teachers, and staff to support youth referrals and program alignment with school needs.
11. Engage in Ongoing Learning: Attend and actively participate in required trainings, team meetings, and presentations to enhance professional growth and service delivery.
12. Ensure Youth Safety: Respond appropriately and effectively to emergencies and situations that may impact youth safety or security, following all protocols.
13. Uphold Organizational Mission: Demonstrate commitment to Identity’s mission and values in all work, promoting equity, dignity, and opportunity for every young person served.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education and Experience: bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social work, behavioral health, or a related field preferred — or an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience.
• Knowledge Base: Familiarity with core frameworks such as Positive Youth Development (PYD), Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and the Stages of Change model.
• Experience Working with Youth: A minimum of 1-3 years of experience delivering youth development programming or working with adolescents in school, community-based, or mentoring environments.
• Background Clearance Requirements: Must successfully pass a federal criminal background check and a Child Protective Services (CPS) clearance.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bilingual proficiency preferred, especially in Spanish and English.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license are required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience with database management systems.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences and deliver professional public presentations.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities in a dynamic, youth-centered environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Requires travel between sites.
• Able to work a flexible 40-hour work week including after school and occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Semi-private office or open work area; easily interrupted with external noise; and controlled air temperature.
• Access to high-speed internet and a quite workplace at home during snow days and other days when schools are closed but Identity remains open.