Careers

Position Summary

The PEAL Center is seeking a passionate, relationship-centered, part time (15-20 hrs/week) Youth Empowerment Specialist to support youth leadership development and transition-to-adulthood programming for youth and young adults with disabilities throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region.

This position works collaboratively with PEAL staff, schools, families, and community organizations to develop and deliver training, leadership opportunities, mentoring, and individualized support that empower youth to advocate for themselves and successfully navigate transition services and systems.

At PEAL, we believe youth leadership is strongest when young people can learn from and connect with others who have walked a similar path. We are especially seeking a young adult self-advocate with a disability who is passionate about helping other youth build confidence, leadership skills, self-determination, and community connections. Candidates with lived experience navigating disability, special education, transition services, employment, higher education, and adult systems bring valuable insight to this work and are strongly encouraged to apply.

As a statewide organization, PEAL provides opportunities for staff to represent the organization at regional and statewide conferences, trainings, and events. The Youth Empowerment Specialist will have opportunities to develop public speaking and presentation skills while sharing information, resources, and lived experiences with diverse audiences across Pennsylvania.

This hybrid role includes remote work, community-based activities, and regular in-person engagement through PEAL's Pittsburgh office and regional events.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging trainings, presentations, and workshops for youth, young adults, families, educators, and professionals, both virtually and in person.

• Provide individualized support, mentoring, and information to youth and families related to transition planning, self-advocacy, disability rights, and community resources.

• Support and facilitate youth leadership development activities, workshops, academies, and peer networking opportunities.

• Serve as a positive role model and mentor to youth and young adults with disabilities.

• Build relationships with schools, youth-serving organizations, and community partners throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region.

• Represent PEAL at regional and statewide conferences, workshops, and community events by delivering presentations, participating on panels, and sharing resources with youth, families, educators, and professionals.

• Assist with outreach activities, including community events, conferences, resource fairs, and presentations.

• Maintain participant data, evaluations, and required reporting documentation.

• Identify and share youth-focused resources, opportunities, and events through PEAL communications channels.

• Help strengthen youth leadership opportunities and peer networks across Pennsylvania.

• Participate in team meetings, collaborative initiatives, and assigned planning groups.

• Demonstrate professionalism, cultural responsiveness, and a strong commitment to disability inclusion and equity.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Highly Preferred

• Young adult self-advocate with a disability.

• Personal experience navigating special education, transition planning, disability services, employment, postsecondary education, or adult service systems.

• Experience using self-advocacy skills to achieve personal, educational, employment, or community goals.

• Passion for mentoring, supporting, and empowering other youth and young adults with disabilities.

• Comfortable sharing personal experiences, when appropriate, to encourage and inspire others.

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Experience working with youth, young adults, and/or individuals with disabilities.

• Strong communication, relationship-building, and facilitation skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in education, social work, disability studies, human services, or a related field.

• Familiarity with transition-related systems and laws such as IDEA, ADA, WIOA, OVR, or Medicaid Waivers.

• Experience delivering trainings, workshops, or presentations.

• Experience facilitating youth leadership activities, mentoring programs, or peer support initiatives.

• Connections within the Greater Pittsburgh education, disability, or youth-serving communities.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region and occasionally throughout Pennsylvania for trainings, conferences, meetings, and special events.

• Comfortable presenting to groups of varying sizes, including youth, families, educators, professionals, and community partners.

• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle are helpful but not required. Candidates must be able to travel independently and reliably throughout the region using transportation methods that work best for them, including personal vehicle, public transportation, paratransit, rideshare services, or other accessible transportation options.

• Must obtain required background clearances, including Act 33/34 and FBI clearances, if not already current.

To apply please email your resume & cover letter to [email protected].