Youth Support Specialist (Social Worker), Launchpad

Posted by Launchpad on July 21, 2026

Launchpad is a “learn-and-earn” workforce program that prepares Philadelphia young adults, rising seniors through age 22, to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. Participants build hands-on fluency in AI, full stack engineering, and project management through an entrepreneurial leadership lens, alongside the durable, in-demand skills employers need. At every step, students earn credentials through paid, applied work-based learning, preparing them to move into college, job training programs, or directly into high-wage careers with real choice and confidence.

Position Overview

We know that the relationship between a young person and a trusting, caring adult is critical for learning and growth. At Launchpad, we also know that the path to career success is rarely a straight line. Young people face real barriers, and having the right support at the right moment can make all the difference.

The Youth Support Specialist brings clinical training and a deep youth development lens to Launchpad’s participant experience. This role is focused on the social-emotional and mental health needs of our participants: identifying barriers to attendance and program engagement, connecting young people to the resources they need, and providing short-term counseling and support for young adults navigating personal challenges.

The Youth Support Specialist works with participants who are referred when specific concerns are identified (attendance concerns, personal crises, transitions, or staff referrals) and maintains regular office hours where any participant can drop in to seek support or talk through what’s on their mind. This role partners closely with Launchpad’s facilitators and the broader program team to ensure every participant has what they need to stay engaged, persist through challenges, and thrive.

Learn more and apply.