1

Working With At Risk Youth Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

MST-EA Therapist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $58K/yr

Experience or internship working with at-risk youth and families preferred. * Background in juvenile justice, child welfare, residential treatment, psychiatric services, or community-based programs ...

MST-EA Therapist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $58K/yr

Experience or internship working with at-risk youth and families preferred. * Background in juvenile justice, child welfare, residential treatment, psychiatric services, or community-based programs ...

MST-EA Therapist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $58K/yr

Experience or internship working with at-risk youth and families preferred. * Background in juvenile justice, child welfare, residential treatment, psychiatric services, or community-based programs ...

Youth Addictions Clinician

Gary, IN

$54K - $71K/yr

Experience working with adolescents involved in the legal system. * Experience providing outreach and support services to at-risk youth. * Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems.

MST Family Therapist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$55K - $58K/yr

Some experience/internship working with at-risk youth and/or families preferred, particularly in juvenile justice, child welfare, residential, or psychiatric settings * Bilingual in Spanish a plus ...

MST Family Therapist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$55K - $58K/yr

Some experience/internship working with at-risk youth and/or families preferred, particularly in juvenile justice, child welfare, residential, or psychiatric settings * Bilingual in Spanish a plus ...

MST Family Therapist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$55K - $58K/yr

Some experience/internship working with at-risk youth and/or families preferred, particularly in juvenile justice, child welfare, residential, or psychiatric settings * Bilingual in Spanish a plus ...

Showing results 21-40

Working With At Risk Youth information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$31

$76

How much do working with at risk youth jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for working with at risk youth in Chicago, IL is $31.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $39.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Working With At Risk Youth jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Working With At Risk Youth job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,002 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Youth Interventionist Specialist

Union League Boys and Girls Clubs

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position Summary

The Youth Interventionist Specialist is responsible for planning, delivering, and supervising everyday programs and targeted intervention strategies for club members. Following the core mission of the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs, this role focuses heavily on three crucial pillars of development: Good Character and Citizenship, Academic Success, and Healthy Lifestyles.

Unlike general staff, the Interventionist Specialist specifically supports youth exhibiting behavioral, emotional, or social challenges. They work proactively to de-escalate conflicts, implement Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS), and act as a constructive role model to help youth navigate adversity.


Primary Responsibilities & Duties

1. Youth Behavior Support & Crisis Intervention

  • De-escalation: Actively intervene in and de-escalate behavioral incidents, conflicts, or emotional crises among youth members using trauma-informed care practices.
  • Behavior Modeling: Implement and monitor Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) program elements throughout daily club activities.
  • Restorative Practices: Lead peer mediation, conflict resolution circles, and mentoring initiatives for at-risk youth to foster accountability and emotional growth.
  • Safety Promotion: Maintain strict safety protocols, ensuring all youth understand club rules, boundaries, and behavioral expectations.

2. Program Implementation & Supervision

  • Direct Supervision: Provide high-energy, direct supervision of club youth members across program areas (gym, games room, classrooms, etc.).
  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Execute structured activities and curriculum designed to boost emotional resilience, social skills, and self-control.
  • Resource Preparation: Collaborate with Program Coordinators to ensure all instructional and therapeutic materials are prepared daily.
  • Excursions: Serve as a chaperone for field trips and community outings, maintaining structured discipline outside club walls.

3. Case Management & Administration

  • Tracking & Documentation: Maintain detailed case notes, behavioral incident logs, and attendance records. Input relevant data into internal management systems.
  • Service Planning: Assist in creating and reviewing individualized growth plans for at-risk youth in consultation with leadership.
  • Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as a connective resource between youth, families, schools, and community resources (social services, counseling, or legal systems if necessary).
Requirements:

 Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Youth Development Expertise: Deep understanding of adolescent developmental milestones, group dynamics, and behavior management strategies.
  • Communication & Patience: Superior listening and communication skills; ability to deliver calm, timely feedback to children facing complex stresses (poverty, trauma, behavioral disorders).
  • Problem-Solving & Initiative: Sound judgment under high-pressure scenarios. Ability to troubleshoot a behavioral issue autonomously or loop in the Assistant Club Director when higher intervention is required.
  • Role Modeling: Exemplary character, adaptability, integrity, and self-control, serving as a positive blueprint for both co-workers and club youth.
Education and Experience Requirements
  • Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Education: High school diploma or GED required. Enrollment in or completion of college courses (ideally in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Public Administration, or Education) is highly preferred.
  • Experience: Proven experience working or volunteering with adolescents, particularly in an urban or under-resourced community environment. Experience with PBIS, restorative justice, or guided discipline is a major plus.
  • Clearance: Must pass a strict criminal background check and a drug screening.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
  • Must be able to maintain high energy levels while standing, walking, or leading activities for extended periods.
  • Willingness to assist in maintaining clean, organized program spaces at the conclusion of the day.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including after-school times, weekends, or special club events (e.g., annual Gala, Youth of the Year awards).