Youth Empowerment Specialist (Part-Time)

About PEAL

The PEAL Center is a family-driven organization dedicated to ensuring that children, youth, and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs are fully included in their schools and communities. PEAL provides training, advocacy, and support to families and professionals across Pennsylvania.

Position Summary

The Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center is seeking a passionate, relationship-centered Youth Empowerment Specialist to support youth leadership development and transition-to-adulthood programming for youth and young adults with disabilities and their families throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

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

At PEAL, we believe lived experience matters deeply. We strongly value disability leadership and the insight that comes from navigating systems firsthand. Priority will be given to candidates who are self-advocates, young adults with disabilities, siblings, or family members of individuals with disabilities. These perspectives strengthen our work, build authentic connections with youth and families, and help ensure the voices of people with lived experience remain at the center of everything we do.

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

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging training presentations and materials for youth, young adults, and families, both virtually and in person.
• Provide individualized support and information to youth and families related to transition planning, self-advocacy, and community resources.
• Support and facilitate youth leadership development activities, workshops, and academies.
• Build relationships with schools, youth-serving organizations, and community partners throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
• 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 peer networking and youth leadership opportunities across Pennsylvania.
• Participate in team meetings, collaborative initiatives, youth advisory councils, and assigned planning groups.
• Demonstrate professionalism, cultural responsiveness, and a strong commitment to inclusion and disability rights.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with youth, young adults with disabilities, and/or families
• Knowledge of self-advocacy, inclusive practices, and transition planning
• Strong communication and relationship-building 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 related field
• Familiarity with transition-related systems and laws such as IDEA, ADA, WIOA, OVR, or Medicaid Waivers
• Experience facilitating trainings or youth leadership activities
• Connections within the Greater Philadelphia education or disability community
• Candidates with lived disability experience are strongly encouraged to apply

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel locally throughout the Greater Philadelphia region for meetings, trainings, and events
• Some evening and occasional weekend hours may be required
• Valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation preferred
• Must obtain required background clearances, including Act 33/34, FBI clearances, and mandated reporter trainings if not already current

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position requiring a combination of:

• Remote work from home
• In-person work from PEAL’s Philadelphia office
• Community-based outreach and training activities

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

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience delivering trainings, workshops, or presentations?
• Do you have experience supporting self-advocacy, leadership development, or transition planning?
• Are you comfortable working in a hybrid role that includes both remote work and in-person community engagement throughout the Greater Philadelphia region?
• Do you have lived experience as a self-advocate, sibling, or family member of a person with a disability?
• Do you have experience working with youth or young adults with disabilities?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA 19146