Youth Specialist

Description

Position Data:

Title: Youth Specialist

Grade: 5 Exempt: _____ Non-Exempt: __X___

Reports to: Youth Services Coordinator

Basic Function or Position Summary:

Provides on-site supervision and youth development services to at-risk minors enrolled in the residential programs. Facilitates daily activities with youth as well as assigned community and outreach services. Salary $18.00/hourly

Security Clearance: Level 4-V-A

Requirements

Position Responsibilities and Specific Duties:

• Implements positive youth development by engaging youth in creating and following a youth action plan.

• Regularly assesses, monitors, and reports youth progress toward goal and outcome achievement.

• Provides life skills training to youth, as assigned.

• Schedules and implements daily program activities for youth

• Provides referrals to agencies and services relating to youth and families

• Maintains knowledge of services procedures, and outcomes relating to RHY legislation as well as DCJS, OCFS and NYSED regulations

• Maintains confidentiality of all customer information

• Maintains updated and accurate training logs; seeks continuous professional development

• Completes partial intake when required

• Works with families to promote family re-unification when appropriate

• Conducts outreach to schools, street outreach, or community-based organizations to engage runaway or homeless youth, as assigned

• Maintains the condition, appearance, safety and security of services facilities

• Prepares meals as required

• Utilizes CAPSYS to input youth progress and service area data

• Provides transportation in agency vehicle for youth as directed by supervisor.

• Trained in Financial Social Work and incorporates FSW principles with daily customer contact.

• Assists with runaway prevention education as assigned

• Participates in community events/activities relating to youth

• Other duties as assigned

Key Working Relationships:

A. Internal: Youth Services Coordinator, Site Supervisor

B. External: Youth, Parents/Guardians, Schools, Community organizations

Supervisory Scope: None.

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Participates in agency management systems as assigned; Continuous Quality Improvement, assessment, strategic planning.

• Acts in accordance with all COI policies, procedures, and protocols

• Participates in the larger team of the agency through committee structures, planning and volunteerism

• Participates in integrated service delivery; promotes integration/cooperation among peers

Knowledge, Skills Required:

• AA, AAS OR a minimum H.S. Diploma and two years’ experience working with youth, families and communities (i.e. youth case worker, youth leader) required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Youth with experience living in a residential setting equivalent to experience working with youth, families, and/or communities.

• Strong interpersonal, communication and customer service skills.

• Strong computer skills; word, excel, data base entry

• Ability to develop and maintain & engage in positive relationships with people from various backgrounds.

• Bilingual preferred.

Special Requirements, if any:

• Valid Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation

• Flexibility in work schedule

• Mandated reporter

• Completes all OMH requirements.

• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Must be able to stand for much of the shift and will frequently go up and down stairs.

• Must be able to always provide consistent even tempered customer service.

• Works compassionately with a diverse population

• Experience navigating community programs