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Connect with the Peace Corps
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Apply to the Peace Corps
The application process begins by selecting a service model and finding an open position.
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Serve where you’re needed mostYouth Development Specialist
Youth in Development
Job highlights
Applications are now closed. View current openings.
Apply by
December 15, 2025Know by
March 1, 2026Depart on
July 14, 2026Duration
11 monthsAbout the project
PathLight Belize has requested the support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) to serve as a Youth Development Specialist. PathLight Belize’s goal is to break the cycle of poverty by providing tuition, fees, uniforms, books, digital devices, tutoring, psychosocial support, mentorship, and access to various programs to help students develop leadership skills.
The PCRV will work directly with the mentorship team to enhance their skills in youth development, case management, and emotional support while focusing on program expansion, leadership development design, and alumni/family engagement systems.
Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Belize together as a group. Dates cannot be changed for individual candidates. Please note the projected departure date could change due to external factors.
Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Belize project page.
Required skills
Qualified candidates will have the following criteria:
Qualified candidates will meet the following criteria:
• MA/MS in Social Work, Counseling, Clinical Psychology
• 3 or more years of relevant experience, such as in organizational development/capacity building, social work for youth, or experience serving youth organizations
• Basic Spanish will be beneficial for family engagement
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT CITIZENSHIP:
Candidates who are dual citizens of Belize and the U.S. are not eligible to serve with Peace Corps Belize. Volunteer safety is of paramount importance and the protections of U.S. citizenship promotes Volunteer safety. If anyone holding dual U.S. and Belize citizenship were to face a legal, safety, or other emergency situation in Belize, the Peace Corps’ ability to intervene would be limited. If you hold citizenship with both the U.S. and Belize, we encourage you to look at other opportunities with Peace Corps.
Language: Spanish
A. Completed 4 years of high school Spanish coursework in the past 8 years
B. Completed college-level Elementary II Spanish semester (Elementary III in quarter system) within the past 6 years
C. Score between 50-62 on the Spanish College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam in the past 6 years
D. Score Novice-High or Intermediate-Low on official American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in Spanish within the past 6 years
Required behavioral competencies
These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:
Motivation for and commitment to service
Adaptability and open-mindedness
Problem solving and resourcefulness
Behavioral maturity and professionalism
Photos from Belize
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Belize country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.
Meet a Volunteer in Belize
Genevieve L.
Health and Physical Education Volunteer
"I’ve learned that my curiosity for all things Belizean is matched by Belizeans’ curiosity about all things American!"
See full Volunteer profile
To learn more about serving as a couple in Belize, visit the country page.
Application process
From application to departure takes around nine months. Learn about the application process for Volunteer opportunities.
Medical/legal clearance
You will need to be cleared medically and legally in order to serve in Belize. Review information on medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.
