Open Opportunities

Type: Part- to Full-Time (3035 hrs/week) 10.5-Month Grant-Funded Contract

Location: Based in Chester, PA - includes school sites, office, and community-based work

Salary Range: $28 - $32/hour (Total salary paid over 10.5 months) based on experience and qualifications.

Application Deadline: Until Filled

About Making a Change Group (MACG)

MACG empowers individuals and families in Chester, PA, and surrounding communities to create lasting change by addressing trauma, preventing violence, and strengthening families through one integrated community-based program. Our mission is grounded in three key focus areas:

• Violence Intervention and Prevention

• Youth Mentoring and Development

• Comprehensive Family Support

We lead with service and empathy, guided by values of commitment, accountability, integrity, collaboration, and healing-centered leadership. In a city deeply affected by systemic inequity and violence, we walk alongside residents to build opportunity, resilience, and hope.

Position Overview

The Youth and Family Support Specialist plays a critical role in building trust and connection between high-risk youth, their families, and the systems that surround them. Working as part of the ROAR and GVINE initiatives, this position supports both school-based and community-based efforts to ensure that families feel heard, empowered, and connected to services. The specialist works closely with mentors, case managers, and school staff to help address barriers, stabilize family environments, and promote positive youth outcomes. This role may also include minor facilitation of youth group sessions in partnership with other team members. 

In addition to supporting youth ages 1017, the specialist will also help facilitate programming for youth ages 18 and over, as well as parents and guardians, providing additional resources, referrals, and skill-building opportunities

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong, trusting relationships with parents, caregivers, and youth ages 1017, as well as young adults ages 18+ 

• Conduct outreach through home visits, phone calls, and school or community meetings - Provide school-based support and attend IEP, disciplinary, and attendance-related meetings - Connect families and young adults to wraparound services such as housing, employment, mental health, and educational supports 

• Plan and co-facilitate workshops, community dinners, and other engagement events for families, young adults, and guardians 

• Assist in crisis response or de-escalation of family conflicts as needed 

• Facilitate or co-facilitate occasional youth group sessions to support social-emotional development - Collaborate with ROAR mentors, school personnel, and partner agencies to coordinate support - Maintain accurate documentation of all family and participant interactions and case activities - Participate in weekly team meetings, professional development, and planning sessions - Be available for occasional evening or weekend events or meetings 
  

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in social work, counseling, criminal justice, or related field preferred - Relevant lived experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree 

• Minimum of 2 years experience working with families in urban or trauma-impacted communities - Strong communication, cultural humility, and conflict resolution skills 

• Familiarity with school systems, child welfare, reentry, or juvenile justice systems 

• Must pass PA Child Abuse, FBI, and Criminal Background Clearances 
  

Salary Structure 

This is a 10.5-month contract with annualized salary paid over that period (approximately mid-August 2025 through June 2026), resulting in higher monthly take-home pay than a traditional 12-month schedule.

Ready to Join Us?

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter to info@makingachangegroup.org Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

We strongly encourage individuals with lived experience in Chester or justice-impacted communities to apply. MACG is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse, inclusive workplace.