Youth Specialist

Description

Position Data: Grade: 5 Non-Exempt

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 $18.36/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