Youth Services Navigator

Organization Overview:

Kids In The Spotlight (KITS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to providing a platform for youth impacted by foster care and opportunity youth to heal and grow from trauma through storytelling and filmmaking. KITS provides workforce development and youth support services that prepare young people for sustainable careers and economic stability. Our programs combine creative skill-building, individualized career planning, paid work experience, mentorship, and financial capability training. Programs include Script-to-Screen (a 10-week screenwriting program) and our Registered Apprenticeship Program (launching in 2026).

Job Description:

The Youth Services Navigator (YSN) will play a crucial role within the Youth Services Department by helping youth participating in KITS programs navigate barriers that affect workforce participation and long-term economic stability.

This role focuses on youth stabilization, resource navigation, and career pathway follow-through for youth who may face housing instability, financial stress, or other systemic barriers. The Youth Services Navigator works directly with participants to help them remain engaged in KITS workforce programs, connect to supportive resources, and progress toward employment and career opportunities.

While KITS is not a wraparound service agency, this role helps youth access and navigate external resources, including housing support, financial capability programs, mental health services, and workforce opportunities. The position ensures that KITS programs translate into measurable outcomes such as job placement, employment retention, and increased economic stability.

This is a full-time position with benefits and includes a 90-day probationary period.

Responsibilities / Scope of Work:

• Provide youth navigation and stabilization support for participants enrolled in KITS programs
• Support youth in developing and maintaining Individual Career Plans (ICPs) using SMART goal setting
• Identify barriers to workforce participation including housing risk, financial instability, and system navigation challenges
• Coordinate referrals to community resources including housing supports, counseling services, financial capability programs, and social services
• Maintain regular communication and check-ins with youth to ensure program engagement and follow-through
• Support youth as they transition into internships, paid placements, and the Registered Apprenticeship Program
• Partner with the Workforce Development Coordinator to track youth progress and address barriers to career placement
• Monitor employment engagement and retention among program participants
• Document participant progress, stabilization outcomes, and workforce milestones
• Maintain accurate participant data for reporting, evaluation, and funder requirements
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with foster youth, opportunity youth, or system-impacted youth
• Experience supporting youth through mentorship, program navigation, or workforce readiness programs
• Understanding of the foster care system and challenges affecting ALICE populations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and data tracking/reporting
• Proficiency in participant tracking systems
• Preferred: Proficiency in project management systems (e.g., Monday.com)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English (Spanish preferred but not required)
• Ability to build trust with youth and maintain professional boundaries
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and maintain confidentiality
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Commitment to youth development and lifelong learning

Additional Requirements:

Availability to work evenings and occasional weekends

Valid California driver’s license and willingness to use a personal vehicle for work-related travel

Must submit to a federal-level background check

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with frequent public and interdepartmental contact

Compensation: $52,000 – $60,000 annual salary, including a benefits package with health, vision, dental, paid holidays, vacation, personal/sick days, and a retirement savings plan.

Application Process:

Applications are open on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter describing how their experience, knowledge, and skills fit the position, a resume detailing relevant experience, and three references with contact information.

health, vision, dental, paid holidays, vacation, personal/sick days, and a retirement savings plan.