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Working With At Risk Youth Jobs in Massachusetts

Family Intervention Specialist

Plymouth, MA ยท 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

Showing results 21-40

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:

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.

Therapeutic Counselor, Relief, Holyoke, Springfield, Westfield

Northeast Center for Youth and Families Inc.

Westfield, MA โ€ข On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Northeast Center for Youth & Families (NCYF) is seeking engaging, enthusiastic individuals for Relief Therapeutic Counselor positions for our Therapeutic Day Programs for at-risk youth locations in Springfield, Westfield and Easthampton. Our Therapeutic Day Program runs Monday-Friday. Relief therapeutic counselors have the option to pick up 12:30pm-6:30pm shifts that are available at any of our three locations.

NCYF Therapeutic Counselors aid in the development of emotional strengths and life skills for individual youths by co-leading therapeutic activities and community trips and teaching and modeling age-appropriate social and living skills.

A well-qualified Therapeutic Counselor is creative, supportive of youth initiatives, and able to engage with clients and their interests while maintaining proper professional boundaries.

Successful Therapeutic Counselors with NCYF have knowledge of appropriate behaviors as it relates to at-risk youth, are skilled in crisis avoidance and intervention, and have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Therapeutic Counselors must be able to assess and evaluate situations and guide and redirect youth clients as a situation requires. NCYF Therapeutic Counselors are responsible for completing daily logs and required paperwork and must have accuracy in reporting.

Therapeutic Counselors assist with daily program organization such as cooking, shopping, and activity preparation as well as providing transportation for clients to and from NCYF sites in agency vehicles, and other duties as assigned or requested by supervisor.

To be qualified, candidates must possess the following:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with experience in the field; Associate’s or Bachelor’s preferred
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Valid driving license in active status and reliable transportation
  • Must work some evening hours (program runs until 6:30 PM)
  • Approved CORI, DCF and driving background checks

AA/EOE: we believe diversity strengthens our organization!