YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Description

Service Area: Workforce Development Services 

Reports to: Director of Workforce Development Services 

Supervises:  N/A

Employment Status: Regular Full Time

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:  The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) serves as primary youth contact and coordinates services, monitors progress, and initiates service adjustments as needed. In addition, YDS works with youth to design and adhere to Individual Success Plan (ISP) with customized dosage based on youth need & skill levels, to address barriers and stabilize basic needs, including mental health, housing, etc., helping them to navigate internal and external OPP offerings in youth development, education, and employment. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Works with youth in building a trusting relationship that yields outcomes in Competence, Confidence, and Connection using relentless engagement
• Facilitates and Utilizes TEB Skills, (Thoughts, Emotions & Behaviors), with youth by promoting responsible healthy habits and instilling critical thinking in decision-making 
• Monitors young person’s progress through data with timely and accurate data entry and by evaluating/interpreting data and sharing it with youth in order to make positive decisions and course correct as needed
• Develop leadership, teamwork and self-advocacy skills with youth by encouraging the development of positive relationships and assisting them in the development of self-advocacy skills, initiative and accountability
• Regularly engages youth through the following venues: face-to-face contacts, home visits, site visits, telephone, social networking, e-mail etc. 
• Weekly client contact, including at least two meaningful solution-focused meetings per month, that help youth achieve target outcomes by reviewing their ISP
• Identify and connect youth with appropriate community resources 
• Participates in agency-wide training on fund development and role as an OPP ambassador.
• Handle any appropriate responsibilities and functions as assigned by supervisor and/or director
• Travel Required
• Attendance Required

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, (i.e. Social Work, public health, or related field). MSW is highly preferred.
• Two-three years of experience working in case management environment with a particular focus on youth and/or young adults ages 14-24.
• Ability to Communicate and Develop Positive Relationships with youth
• Strong Interpersonal Skills to support and mentor youth effectively
• Displays exceptional customer service skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Valid CT driver’s license and reliable transportation and/or own vehicle