Youth Options Unlimited Boston- YOU Boston

YOU Boston is the only city agency that operates a youth employment program that is uniquely integrated with the juvenile justice, education, and community safety systems. Unlike traditional workforce programs that focus solely on job placement, YOU Boston embeds a broader framework of accountability, case management, and cross-system coordination. Employment is used as both a protective factor and an intervention strategy to reduce justice involvement, improve school engagement, and promote long-term stability.

The program model centers individualized case management, where youth are supported by dedicated staff who assess educational status, court involvement, employment readiness, and social-emotional needs. Employment services are tailored to each young person’s circumstances and may include job readiness training, soft skills development, connection to paid work experiences, and ongoing coaching. Staff maintain consistent communication with employers, schools, probation, and service providers to ensure expectations are aligned and youth receive coordinated support.

What sets YOU Boston apart from other City departments is its direct collaboration with the youth-serving justice partners, BPS, and the courts. YOU Boston serves youth who are in desperate need of employment due to justice involvement or extreme circumstances such as homeless. We work with referral partners to understand a youth's need and challenges.

YOU Boston leverages this position to hold youth accountable while simultaneously offering meaningful opportunities for employment, skill-building, and positive community engagement. This dual approach balances structure and support in a way that traditional workforce programs are not designed to do.

Assist with daily operations at assigned worksites, including setup, organization, and general support tasks as directed by supervisors

Demonstrate professionalism by arriving on time, following workplace rules, and communicating respectfully with supervisors, coworkers, and customers

Participate in job readiness and skill-building activities, including training on workplace expectations, safety, and professional communication

Complete assigned tasks accurately and responsibly while asking for guidance when needed and accepting feedback constructively

Maintain a safe and positive work environment by following safety guidelines, reporting concerns, and working collaboratively as part of a team

Must be between the ages of 14–18 and eligible to participate in the program

Ability to commit to assigned work hours, attend required trainings, and follow program and workplace expectations

Willingness to learn new skills, accept supervision, and take feedback in a professional manner

Basic communication skills, including the ability to interact respectfully with supervisors, coworkers, and the public

Ability to meet the physical or technical demands of the position, which may include standing for extended periods, performing light physical tasks, or using basic technology and digital tools