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At Risk Youth Jobs in Canton, MA (NOW HIRING)

LifeSet Specialist

Dorchester, MA · On-site

$80K - $93K/yr

Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families in a volunteer, internship, or paid position (preferred) * Clinical experience (preferred) * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families in a volunteer, internship, or paid position (preferred) * Clinical experience (preferred) * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

New

Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families in a volunteer, internship, or paid position (preferred) * Clinical experience (preferred) * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families in a volunteer, internship, or paid position (preferred) * Clinical experience (preferred) * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

LifeSet Specialist

Plymouth, MA · On-site

$80K - $93K/yr

Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families in a volunteer, internship, or paid position (preferred) * Clinical experience (preferred) * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Posted today

LifeSet Specialist

Dorchester, MA · On-site

$80K - $93K/yr

Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families in a volunteer, internship, or paid position (preferred) * Clinical experience (preferred) * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

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At Risk Youth information

See Canton, MA salary details

$15

$32

$78

How much do at risk youth jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for at risk youth in Canton, MA is $32.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $40.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth counselor working with at-risk youth, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Youth Counselor for at-risk youth, you need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by a relevant degree and state licensure. Familiarity with case management software, behavioral assessment tools, and crisis intervention techniques is typically required. Outstanding soft skills include patience, active listening, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust and rapport. These skills help counselors effectively support vulnerable youth, promote positive outcomes, and navigate challenging situations safely and ethically.

What are at-risk youth?

At-risk youth are young people who are considered to have a higher probability of facing negative outcomes due to various risk factors in their lives. These factors may include poverty, exposure to violence, family instability, substance abuse, academic challenges, or involvement with the juvenile justice system. Being 'at risk' does not guarantee negative outcomes, but it means these youth may need additional support, resources, and guidance to overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with at-risk youth, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working with at-risk youth often encounter challenges such as building trust with individuals who may have experienced trauma, managing behavioral issues, and navigating complex family dynamics. Addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, patience, and ongoing training in trauma-informed care. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including counselors, social workers, and educators—can provide comprehensive support and help professionals develop effective intervention strategies.

What is the difference between At Risk Youth vs Youth Counselor?

AspectAt Risk YouthYouth Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in youth workHigh school diploma; often requires certification or degree in counseling or social work
Work EnvironmentCommunity programs, schools, juvenile facilitiesSchools, community centers, counseling offices
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government agencies, schoolsEducational institutions, mental health agencies, social services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

At Risk Youth refers to young individuals facing challenges such as poverty, family issues, or behavioral problems. Youth Counselors work directly with these youth to provide guidance, support, and intervention. While both roles focus on supporting youth, At Risk Youth is a demographic or target group, whereas Youth Counselor is a professional role aimed at assisting that group.

What cities near Canton, MA are hiring for At Risk Youth jobs? Cities near Canton, MA with the most At Risk Youth job openings:
Infographic showing various At Risk Youth job openings in Canton, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,722 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Street Outreach Worker - Gun Violence Prevention

Old Colony YMCA

Brockton, MA • On-site

$19 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
The Peace Advocate has the primary responsibility to work with the street outreach team to foster a community that addresses potentially violence situations with nonviolent solutions by extensive networking and collaborating within the community and reaching out to identified and at-risk gang members and working directly with them to mediate potentially violent situations. He/she will model and teach nonviolence in the street while also seeking to link gang involved and at-risk youth to services and resources in the community; and will work to reduce attachment of project youth to gangs and gang activities, and assisting in community mobilization in the target area. The Peace Advocate will be a member of and participate in all intervention Team meetings and violence prevention initiatives within the city. He/she will reflect and display the values of Character Development which are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Identify appropriate youth to participate in the project based on target characteristics
  • Work extensively in the communicate to develop networks and collaborative efforts to both identify at-risk youth and offer services, especially with schools, police, grant providers, and other providers
  • Organize the street outreach efforts with the overall efforts of the Gun Violence Prevention initiative in the city
  • Mediate potential street violence and gang violence situations
  • Recruit and retain project youth by providing access to job skills training, information, resources, pro-social role modeling, and encouragement
  • Serve as an advocate for project youth in securing social services, education, and job-related opportunities; provide information about services; and assess needs.
  • Assess the needs of family members as related to the target youths' gang involvement, identify gang-affected siblings of target participants, and make referrals to appropriate services
  • Provide information on available services for participants' family members
  • Provide appropriate referral and follow-up to ensure that target youth are aware and able to access services
  • Plan and attend social and recreational activities for the target youth
  • Maintain records of contacts with youth, enter data in real time and write reports on status of clients
  • Identify community resources to assist in implementation of the project
  • Work with victims of gang related crime within the community
  • Attend all internal/external meetings and trainings as required by supervisor
  • Other duties as assigned

  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Valid driver's license and car insurance by date of hire is preferred
  • Familiarity with the community
  • Familiarity with the ethnic culture of the target population
  • Knowledge of local agencies' programs and services (school, social services, law enforcement, courts/corrections), local units of government, and grassroots organizations
  • Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills and work effectively with agency staff and service providers and with gang members and their family members
  • Work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends
  • Clearly communicate ideas in both written and verbal form
  • Understand and relate to the needs of project participants of diverse ethnic, cultural, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Work effectively with high-risk, gang-involved populations
  • Operate a computer to enter data, maintain records, and generate reports
  • Network effectively with various types of organizations, including government agencies, law enforcement agencies, schools, social service agencies, courts/probation/corrections, and grassroots organizations
  • Work effectively with community residents, diverse population groups, and youth
  • Prioritize tasks and work independently in the absence of supervision