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Working With At Risk Youth Jobs in Massachusetts

NFI Massachusetts

Career Readiness Counselor

Lowell, MA · On-site

$24.50/hr

Prior experience working with at-risk youth preferred * Familiarity with Lawrence, MA and the surrounding communities preferred * Hours must be flexible to work prior to 9am and past 5pm based on ...

18 Degrees

Youth Outreach Case Worker

Pittsfield, MA · On-site

$22.35/hr

Too many of our youth are facing challenges that put them at risk. Join 18 Degrees in giving our ... PCC) working with youth are focusing on the welfare of our youth, to avoid negative impact and ...

18 Degrees

Youth Outreach Case Worker

Pittsfield, MA · On-site

$22.35/hr

Too many of our youth are facing challenges that put them at risk. Join 18 Degrees in giving our ... PCC) working with youth are focusing on the welfare of our youth, to avoid negative impact and ...

Youth Villages

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

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Working With At Risk Youth information

What does it mean to work with at risk youth?

Working with at-risk youth involves supporting young people who face significant challenges such as poverty, abuse, neglect, behavioral issues, or unstable home environments. Professionals in this field strive to provide guidance, mentorship, and resources to help these individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. The work often includes counseling, educational support, crisis intervention, and developing positive relationships to foster resilience and growth.

What are the common challenges faced when working with at risk youth, and how are they addressed?

Professionals working with at-risk youth often encounter challenges such as building trust, managing behavioral issues, and addressing the diverse emotional needs of young people. These challenges are typically addressed through consistent communication, trauma-informed care practices, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams that may include counselors, social workers, and educators. Regular team meetings and training sessions help staff share strategies, discuss difficult cases, and provide mutual support, ensuring a coordinated and compassionate approach to each individual's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to work with at risk youth?

To thrive in a role working with at-risk youth, you need a background in social work, psychology, or education, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with case management software, trauma-informed care practices, and behavior intervention systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust are essential soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities enable professionals to effectively support, guide, and empower vulnerable youth toward positive outcomes.

What is the difference between Working With At Risk Youth vs Working With Juvenile Offenders?

AspectWorking With At Risk YouthWorking With Juvenile Offenders
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a degree in social work or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires specialized training or certifications in juvenile justice
Work EnvironmentSchools, community centers, youth programsJuvenile detention centers, correctional facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, schools, community organizationsCorrectional institutions, juvenile justice agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in youth support and preventionFocus on juvenile justice and rehabilitation

Working With At Risk Youth involves supporting young individuals in community settings to prevent negative outcomes, while Working With Juvenile Offenders focuses on rehabilitating youth within correctional facilities. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in work environment and focus, catering to different stages of youth intervention.

What are popular job titles related to Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Massachusetts?

For Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Working With At Risk Youth jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Working With At Risk Youth job openings:

Working With At Risk Youth jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working With At Risk Youth job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Career Readiness Counselor

NFI Massachusetts

Lowell, MA

$24.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Developing and maintaining relationships with prospective employers.

  • Conducting career readiness workshops and individual meetings with youth to assess curriculum standards.

  • Matching youth with appropriate employment opportunities and managing youth workplace visits.

Job description

NFI Massachusetts, Inc., a non-profit human services organization, is currently seeking a full-time Career Readiness Counselor for our Community-Based DYS Services division located in Lowell, MA.

NFI’s Community Based Services reintegrates court-involved youth into their communities after being committed to the Department of Youth Services on various charges. CBS youth have completed their treatment phase and are returning home. With district offices in Lawrence, Haverhill, Lynn and Lowell, NFI staff work in collaboration with DYS Caseworkers to coordinate and deliver services and interventions designed to provide optimal support to ensure each youth’s future success in the community.

The successful candidate will work in partnership with the Commonwealth Cooperation and the Department of Youth Services in Lowell, MA to provide job skills training to at-risk youth in the community. The work with youth is done in person and virtually. No on call responsibility.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Developing and maintaining relationships with prospective employers.
  • Conducting career readiness workshops.
  • Conduct individual meetings with youth in the community to assess curriculum standards.
  • Matching youth with appropriate employment opportunities.
  • Maintaining youth timesheets and other grant forms.
  • Conducting weekly youth workplace visits.
  • Managing a database to report measurable outcomes.
  • Meeting monthly with Comcorp and DYS monthly to review youth progress

Job Requirements:

  • Qualified candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in the human services field or education/business background
  • Prior experience working with at-risk youth preferred
  • Familiarity with Lawrence, MA and the surrounding communities preferred
  • Hours must be flexible to work prior to 9am and past 5pm based on enrolled youth schedule.
  • Daily travel between youth job sites, DYS district offices, and youth meeting locations.
  • A valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle is a must.

Hourly Rate: $24.50 - 25.50 per hour

Schedule: Normal business hours with flexibility prior to 9am and after 5pm to meet youth scheduling needs

NFI Massachusetts offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (multiple plan options)
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with potential employer match
  • 3 Weeks Paid Vacation + 11 Paid Holidays + Paid Sick Leave
  • Company-Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement (up to $2,500 per year)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
  • Voluntary Benefits: Pet Insurance, Home & Auto, Legal Plan & more!
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program

NFI Massachusetts Inc., is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We seek to empower individuals and support the diversity and inclusivity within our workforce.

NFI Massachusetts participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility as part of the I-9 verification process.

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