A Career in Youth Services

A professor teaching a course in Child Development

If you’re passionate about helping young people reach their full potential, a career in youth services might be your calling. Whether you want to mentor teens, support after-school programs, or guide youth through challenges, this field offers meaningful work that makes a difference in your community. 

At the heart of every youth development role is one mission: to empower the next generation to grow, thrive, and succeed. 

What Is Youth Development? 

Youth development focuses on helping young people, typically ages 10 to 24, build the skills, confidence, and emotional resilience they need to transition successfully into adulthood. Professionals in this field might work in community centers, nonprofit organizations, schools, or youth programs, providing support through education, mentorship, and enrichment activities. 

These specialists often work one-on-one or in small groups, helping youth develop leadership abilities, career readiness, and social-emotional well-being. It’s not just a job, it’s a community driven career with lasting impact. 

Making a Real Impact in Chicago’s Communities 

Working in youth services isn’t just about doing a job. A youth support specialist creates measurable and meaningful change in neighborhoods across Chicago. Programs that engage young people through employment, mentorship, or structured development see strong outcomes: one rigorous study found that participants in the One Summer Chicago Plus program experienced a 33% drop in violent-crime arrests over the following year. At the same time, youth who participate in focused mentoring programs (such as those by Big Brother Big Sisters of America) are 54% less likely to be arrested and 41% less likely to engage in substance use after just 18 months. These results show how youth development specialists, support specialists and coordinators are not only helping individual young people, they’re uplifting entire communities by reducing crime, increasing engagement, and building future-oriented mind-sets. In Chicago particularly, where so many underserved neighborhoods face wide-ranging challenges, a career in youth services can make a real difference. 

Youth Development Careers in Chicago 

In Chicago, there’s a growing need for trained professionals who can support young people through structured youth development programs. Many organizations, such as Chicago Youth Centers, YMCA programs, and city youth initiatives, rely on skilled specialists to design activities, mentor participants, and create safe, supportive environments. 

Common job titles in this field include: 

  • Youth Development Specialist
  • Youth Support Specialist
  • Youth Coordinator 
  • Youth Program Assistant 
  • Development Specialist 

These positions can be found in a variety of settings, from after-school programs and summer camps to community-based nonprofits and social service agencies. 

What Does a Youth Development Specialist Do? 

A Youth Development Specialist works directly with young people to promote positive growth and achievement. This could include: 

  • Leading workshops and activities that build life skills and teamwork
  • Connecting youth to resources such as tutoring, counseling, or job training
  • Coordinating with families, teachers, and social workers 
  • Creating structured programming for community centers or afterschool initiatives

Because youth development professionals wear many hats, employers look for candidates who understand child and adolescent development. These professional youth focused social workers should be able to build strong, trusting relationships. 

Salary and Career Outlook 

As reported by Glassdoor in 2025, the average youth development specialist in Chicago makes anywhere between $50K – $77K a year, depending on experience, location, and education level. Roles like Youth Coordinator or Program Manager may lead to higher earning potential, especially with additional training or degrees. 

If you have been asking yourself, “are there youth services jobs near me?”It is important to know that programs are expanding across Chicago, and job seekers can find steady opportunities listed across the city’s nonprofit and public sectors. 

How to Get Started in Youth Services 

Many employers in youth development look for candidates who have a foundation in child or human development, strong communication skills, and a genuine passion for helping others. 

Earning an Associate Degree in Child Development from St. Augustine College is a powerful first step. This program equips you with a deep understanding of developmental stages, learning environments, and culturally responsive care, skills that are essential in youth-focused roles. 

You’ll also gain hands-on experience that helps you qualify for entry-level positions such as Youth Development Specialist, Youth Support Specialist, or Development Specialist upon graduation. 

Making a Difference in Your Community 

A career in youth services isn’t about finding a job, it’s about finding purpose. Each day, you’ll have the opportunity to guide, support, and uplift young people as they navigate the most critical stages of their lives. 

If you’re ready to build a career that gives back to the community, start your journey at St. Augustine College. 

Take the First Step Toward a Career in Youth Services

Build the skills to make a lasting impact. 

Apply to St. Augustine’s College’s Child Development Program today.