Youth Development Specialist
Youth development specialists plan, implement, and evaluate programs that promote the positive development of young people. They work in community organizations, schools, and government agencies, focusing on mentorship, leadership, academic support, and life skills. The median salary is approximately $42,000 with 5% projected growth. A bachelor's degree in social work, education, or a related field is common, and experience working with youth is essential.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts with setting up the after-school program space and reviewing attendance from previous sessions. Mid-afternoon, youth begin arriving, and the specialist leads a group through a team-building exercise. Late afternoon involves tutoring sessions and a discussion circle about goal-setting. Before closing, the specialist meets one-on-one with a teen to talk about college readiness, then documents program participation and writes a grant progress report.
Key Stats
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $30,000
Median: $42,000
Senior: $62,000
Job Growth