Are you passionate about building safer communities and creating meaningful changes for youth and families Do you thrive on bringing people together, facilitating dialogue, and turning big ideas into action If so, we invite you to join our team as the Youth Project Coordinator for the Safeguarding Our Youth: A Collaborative Blueprint for Deflection and Recovery initiative. This full-time position is based in Chester, SC, and serves the counties of Chester, Fairfield, and Lancaster. In this role, you will lead and coordinate impactful grant activities designed to reduce youth violence, prevent system involvement, and promote youth well-being through early intervention and community-based strategies. As the Youth Project Coordinator, you will collaborate with a diverse network of stakeholders, including: Educators and school leaders Law enforcement agencies Child welfare and juvenile justice professionals Mental and behavioral health providers Peer support specialists Individuals with lived experience Local and county leaders Public and private service providers Youth and families The ideal candidate is energized by community engagement and relationship-building. You must enjoy traveling throughout the three counties, getting to know local partners, and serving as a connector across systems. This position requires someone who is comfortable facilitating dialogue among diverse groups, coordinating community events, leading community and stakeholder meetings, and fostering collaboration across agencies. Key responsibilities will include: Coordinating and implementing grant-funded initiatives Leading and facilitating cross-sector meetings and discussions Organizing and managing community trainings and events Strengthening partnerships across multiple counties Working closely with the Program Manager and Project Assistant to ensure successful program delivery Supporting data collection and reporting related to grant outcomes This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional who believes in prevention, values collaboration, and is committed to uplifting youth and families. If you are a relationship-builder, a strategic thinker, and someone who enjoys being out in the community making things happen, we encourage you to apply. Join us in shaping safer, stronger futures for youth across Chester, Fairfield, and Lancaster Counties. Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience. Required Certification, Licensure/ Other Credentials Requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to meet and maintain University driver authorization requirements in accordance with USC VMPS Policy 4.00. Preferred Qualifications Prefer work experience that involves multi-agency coordination. Strongly prefer training experience. Prefer experience in grants management and program development. Prefer professional licensure in South Carolina. Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities This position requires a proactive and knowledgeable professional with a strong understanding of the systems serving children and youth in South Carolina, including juvenile justice, child welfare, behavioral health, education, and community-based services. The ideal candidate values prevention, early intervention, and community-based treatment approaches, recognizing that youth are best served in their homes and communities whenever they are not a threat of harm to themselves or others. Strong communication, planning, and organizational skills are essential for effectively managing multiple projects and coordinating activities across three counties. The successful candidate excels in relationship-building, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and maintaining positive public relations. They are confident in leading workshops, facilitating dialogue among diverse stakeholders, and navigating complex systems with professionalism and cultural humility. A background in youth development, welfare, health, behavioral health, or related fields is highly desirable. A strong commitment to helping underserved communities connect to needed resources and services is essential. Job Duties Job Duty Collaboratively provides information and technical assistance to grant partners and funders, ensuring alignment with project goals and promoting shared accountability. Prepares and distributes written resource materials to juvenile justice professionals to support safeguarding, recovery, and deflection initiatives. Coordinates projects to implement grant activities and tasks to achieve grant or contract deliverables. This role emphasizes collaboration to enhance community safety, advocate for youth well-being, and address social determinants impacting the juvenile justice landscape in Chester, Fairfield, and Lancaster Counties. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30% Job Duty Assists with grants and contract management, including maintenance of records, preparation of progress reports, and development of applications, including conducting surveys of stakeholders across Chester, Fairfield, and Lancaster Counties to identify non-profit organizations serving these communities, addressing specific needs of youth and families. Collaborates with grant partners to spotlight these providers, ensuring that resources are accessible and aligned with initiatives that promote safeguarding, recovery, and deflection. This work fosters community support systems and enables residents to connect with essential services, enhancing overall well-being and community resilience. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 25% Job Duty This role involves building and maintaining collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, such as law enforcement, schools, mental health providers, health educators, and community organizations. The individual will organize and lead Roundtable Meetings in Fairfield, Chester, and Lancaster counties to support initiatives like deflection and recovery. These efforts aim to safeguard our youth by addressing social determinants, such as community safety, educational support, and equitable access to services, ultimately fostering healthier communities and promoting long-term well-being. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 45% Position Attributes Hazardous weather category Non-Essential Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Position End Date Job Open Date 06/16/2026 Job Close Date 06/30/2026 Open Until Filled No

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