Amara is committed to positive long-term outcomes for children and families. We drive systemic change, promote healing, and advance racial and LGBTQIA+ equity by offering programs and services to families engaged with foster care and to adoptees and families, post-permanency.

At Amara, we believe that a supportive, equitable and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued, trusted and nurtured, is key to shaping organizational culture and investing in underrepresented communities. Amara believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace enhances our ability to fulfill our mission. We strongly invite candidates from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

We are seeking to hire a Youth Development Specialist to work with youth impacted by the child welfare system including those adopted, in resource care, in kinship care, in guardianship, or in-home dependency.  The Youth Development Specialist will have a variety of responsibilities including supporting the implementation and development of our STAR (Strong Tough and Resilient) Youth Program in King County and similar future programming.

Amara’s youth programing will bring school-aged youth impacted by the child welfare system together to develop stronger social and emotional learning (SEL) skills, participate in activities that help them create a positive sense of self and their identity and create a peer network with other youth with shared life experiences.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Plans, implements, and carries out weekly educational programs and activities to meet the organizations overall youth development mission.
• Identify and maintain a database of youth qualified for services in coordination with community partners, ensuring program design meets population needs including within affinity groups (BIPOC youth, LBGTQIA+ youth).
• Responsible for outreach, screening, enrollment, goal setting, regular check-in meetings, and a final report at the conclusion of provided services.
• Facilitate both weekly and special programming such as fieldtrips, workshops, and special events.
• Assist with recruitment, screening, and enrollment of youth into appropriate cohorts for programing.
• Assist families/youth with referral services for needs that fall outside the scope of Amara’s program offerings.
• Ensure that programs support youth through harm reduction, trauma informed care and culturally responsive approaches.
• Monitor and supervise the safety and behavior of participants, ensuring that program maintains established safety protocols including first aid, evacuation, and emergency procedures.
• Will lead performance measurement evaluation and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Manages administrative functions which may include data collection, database management, developing/refining program materials, running participant and outcome reports and program analysis necessary to meet funder requirements as well as internal program evaluation.
• Participate in all program meetings and staff development activities, including coordinating and attending annual training in issues of equity and social justice.
• Work with government and partner organizations to coordinate and align services for participants.
• Participate in required funder meetings including (quarterly) BSK Learning Circles, monthly check-ins, and the like; to improve system connection and coordination.
• Responsible for any required reporting including quarterly participant reports and annual narrative progress reports.
• Occasionally represent Amara at community and outreach events

• Education/Experience Requirement –
  • Associates Degree in Human Services or Social Work with 3 to 5 years related experience OR
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field with a minimum of 2 years of experience OR
  • Master’s degree in Human Services or related field and one year of social services experience.
• Experience with social services specifically with youth and families
• Experience coordinating and managing programs or services
• Experience working with diverse families (variety of religions, races, cultures, ages, and socioeconomic levels)
• Initiative, independence, flexibility, and maturity
• Highly organized with good communication and problem-solving skills
• Strong writing skills with ability to remain neutral and unbiased in reporting
• Experience with MS Word, Outlook, and Excel required
• Ability to pass a background check
• Must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
• Must have current or be able to provide within 90 days of hire date CPR/First Aid Certification and BBP within the past 5 years
• Must be at least 21 years of age

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary of $54,600-$61,048 DOE. Generous personal leave and benefits package, including paid time off, paid sabbatical, health, vision and dental insurance, 401k with a company match, life, and disability insurance. Amara supports a hybrid work schedule including some flexibility to work-from-home. 

Criminal Background Check

Because this position has access to confidential client information and/or direct interaction with children any final candidate hired into this position must successfully pass a criminal background check performed by the State of Washington. Any job offer is contingent on successfully passing this background check.  

Vaccination Requirement:

Amara requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement is designed to prioritize the safety of the children and families we serve. Exemptions may be sought only for documented medical or religious accommodations.

To Apply

To express your interest in this position, please submit your resume and a one-page cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you. Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Amara is an Equal Opportunity Employer