About this opportunity
Center for Independent Living lists this Youth Programs Specialist opportunity in berkeley, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Youth Program Specialist
This position supports inclusive youth programming that advances independence, community connection, and disability justice.
The Center for Independent Living (CIL), founded in Berkeley as the nation's first independent living center, is a pioneer of the disability rights and independent living movement. Our radical legacy is rooted in peer-led advocacy, cross-disability solidarity, and the belief that all people with disabilities have the right to live with dignity, choice, and freedom. Today, CIL provides advocacy and direct services that increase awareness, collaboration, and opportunity among people with disabilities and the broader community. Our programs equip people with skills, knowledge, and resources to challenge ableism, eliminate barriers, and pursue lives they value.
Position Summary
The Youth Program Specialist works alongside CIL Youth Outreach Coordinator to support group facilitation, workshops, and community outreach to youth with disabilities under 30, utilizing Independent Living, Disability Justice, and Positive Youth Development frameworks.
This is a part-time position that may become full-time depending on program needs. If the role expands, additional duties may be added beyond what is listed here.
Responsibilities
Program Support and Administration
Collect intake information for program participants.
Assist with data entry and tracking.
Provide referrals to appropriate staff, programs, or external agencies to ensure comprehensive support while maintaining in-depth knowledge of CIL programs and services.
Direct Engagement with Youth and Skill-Building
Support youth in developing skills for self-advocacy, independent living, social connections, and effective communication through self-advocacy courses.
Engage with community members and organizations, alongside the Youth Coordinator, to support youth participation in community activities and events.
Foster an inclusive space and help youth and young adults to live independently.
Youth Program Facilitation and Coordination
Co-facilitate in-person program offerings focused on youth advocacy, independent living, social connection, and community education, as appropriate.
Co-develop, co-coordinate, and host the bi-weekly in-person Youth Social Club, in collaboration with the Youth Outreach Coordinator and Program Manager.
Support curriculum planning and coordination with guest presenters.
Assist with outreach, event coordination and facilitation
Participate in additional events related to Youth Programs as needed.
Qualifications
Commitment to anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ liberation, gender and economic justice, and anti-ableism; a familiarity with, or willingness to engage in, Disability Justice frameworks and principles and apply them to Youth Outreach work
Strong knowledge of Independent Living and Disability Rights and Disability Justice history and philosophy preferred but can also be learned
Demonstrated experience working with diverse youth, especially Black and Indigenous youth and youth of color; low-income youth; and youth with disabilities
Culturally responsive and respectful interpersonal communication skills
Ability to work in-person and able to travel to multiple school sites and local locations
Knowledge of community resources
Self-directed, with a demonstrated ability to manage time and multiple tasks effectively
Ability to work in a collaborative environment with other staff and community partners
Strong organizational skills
Strong problem-solving, curriculum planning, and implementation skills
Experience in service/advocacy organizing
Lived experience with a disability is preferred
Bilingual/Bicultural preferred
Ability to contribute to a diverse cross-disability work environment
Physical Demands
Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information via telephone, email, video with community members
Reasonable accommodations will be made available to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on request.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and a cover letter describing your interest in this position, and how your lived or professional experiences connect to CIL's mission and values.
All job offers are contingent on passing a pre-employment background check.
If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Hiring team at hiring (@) thecil.org.
CIL Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity), national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation or status as a protected veteran. Persons with disabilities, veterans, women, and minorities are encouraged to apply.
CIL is an E-Verify participating employer
$30.9 - $30.9 per hour
Worksite address
berkeley, CA, 94709, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.