Youth Prevention Specialist
About the job
- A bachelor's degree (or expected graduation within three months) in social work, psychology, or criminal justice is required.
- A valid Michigan driver's license is required.
- The ability to work flexible hours is required.
- Strong writing skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks are required.
- The ability to travel to local schools and community activities is required.
- Full proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint is required.
- Experience using search engines and databases to complete case notes, find resources, and help students with research assignments is required.
- The role requires interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability, initiative, attention to detail, organization, prioritization, adaptability, and effective verbal and written communication.
- Plan, coordinate, and provide activities for youth, including group and individual counseling, academic assistance, mentoring, career development, computer skills, recreation, cultural activities, community service, arts and crafts, field trips, and speakers and presentations.
- Work after school hours, weekends, and evenings as needed, including 8–12 hours of direct client service.
- Keep accurate client data and progress notes.
- Conduct client assessments, screenings, and interviews.
- Maintain case files, including intake forms, assessment data, client release forms, attendance and participation forms, and progress notes.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of information obtained through client interviews and program participation.
- Maintain an assigned client caseload and develop individual case plans for each assigned client.
- Ensure resident records comply with Department of Community Justice, COA licensure, and Matrix PQI standards.
- Participate in staff meetings and other meetings necessary to perform the job.
- Work with youth to establish goals and provide case management services as needed.
- Prepare and facilitate appropriate academic activities, including homework completion, and provide direct academic support to designated students.
- Use data to help achieve program goals, apply strategies that promote a culture of learning, and identify and address gaps to continuously improve programs.
- Adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and incorporate Continuous Quality Improvement efforts into everyday performance.
- Promote Matrix Human Services' mission and values.
- Preferably, one year of relevant paid or volunteer experience working with young adults or youth.
- Youth career development, workforce development, or career exploration experience is preferred.
About the company
Matrix Human Services is a Detroit nonprofit that provides a range of social services to support families and individuals of all ages. Its programs address basic needs, education, crisis intervention, and prevention to defuse crises and promote self-sufficiency, delivered through cost-efficient services with distinct program identities. It differentiates itself by serving as a stable community pillar with scalable operations and a portfolio of specialized programs that aim for long-term outcomes. Its goal is to help families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency while preventing abuse, neglect, and crime, and to model effective service delivery for other organizations.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Detroit, Michigan
Founded
N/A
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- GM's $400,000 grant funded Skills to Build in July 2025.
- SME honored Matrix with a 2026 Workforce Development Innovations Award after strong outcomes.
- Henry Ford Health's May 19, 2026 $150,000 community investment included Matrix support.
What critics are saying
- Heavy grant dependence exposes Matrix to donor pullbacks and government contract volatility.
- Leadership continuity remains fragile after Brad Coulter succession planning and recent COO/VP reshuffles.
- If EV training loses employer demand, Matrix's newest growth engine becomes a stranded program.
What makes Matrix Human Services unique
- Detroit-rooted nonprofit with 117-year history and broad poverty-to-self-sufficiency services.
- Matrix runs Head Start, housing stability, workforce development, and senior wellness programs.
- GM and SME validation in 2025-2026 positions Matrix inside Detroit EV talent pipelines.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Paid Holidays
Company News
General Motors Co. has made a $400,000 grant to Detroit-based Matrix Human Services to fund a pilot workforce development program focused on jobs in the clean energy and electric vehicle industries.
Matrix Human Services appointed Starr Allen-Pettway as its chief operating officer (COO).
Matrix Human Services President and Chief Executive Officer Brad Coulter announced the appointments of Monique Phillips as Vice President of Development & Marketing and Monique Riley as Director of Marketing, in addition to several others who will support the organization’s leadership team efforts.