Intervention Support Specialist

Build Inc•Chicago, IL

23h

About The Position

Intervention Support Specialist BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self-motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenging neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD, you make an important difference to the thousands of youths and families we serve. Our Core Values: Empathy, Passion, Persistence and Innovation The Intervention Support Specialist provides community-based mentorship and case management services to youth ages 14–24 who are impacted by community violence, justice involvement, or who are at risk of involvement in the juvenile or criminal justice system. Through a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and youth centered approach. The Intervention Support Specialist works collaboratively with participants to identify needs, develop individualized service plans, and connect youth and families to essential resources that support stability, safety, and positive development. Services include both short-term case management focused on stabilization and resource connection as well as longer-term mentorship that supports personal growth, life skills development, and positive decision-making. Services are delivered primarily through community-based engagement. The Intervention Support Specialist reports to the Manager of Intervention Support Services.

Requirements

A minimum of two (2) years experience working with at-risk youth and families in a community- based, trauma-informed, social service setting or a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Youth Development, or related field
Demonstrate ability to work effectively with youth, families, and communities from diverse ethnic, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate in a respectful, engaging, and strength-based manner
Ability and willingness to provide community-based direct services
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfortable using technology and data systems to support program operations and evaluation
Must successfully pass an extensive background check
Valid driver’s license, reliable automobile, and current insurance required

Responsibilities

Utilize motivational interviewing and strength-based approaches to complete needs assessments and develop individualized service plans reflecting participants’ self-identified goals and needs
Build and maintain consistent mentoring relationships that foster trust, accountability, emotional development, and positive decision-making
Provide case management support to address immediate stabilization needs including crisis response, service coordination, and connection to community resources
Provide ongoing mentorship and developmental support that helps youth build life skills, strengthen decision-making, and work toward long-term personal, educational, and employment goals
Connect youth and families to essential services including education, employment and workforce development, housing resources, behavioral health services, and other supportive programs
Maintain a consistent schedule to support participant engagement and progress toward service plan goals which can include home visits, school meetings and visits, community contacts, and field trips
Support youth in developing life skills such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, goal setting, communication, and accountability
Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and stabilization support as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of youth and families
Assist youth in navigating systems including schools, probation, workforce programs, and community-based services
Collaborate with internal programs to ensure youth have access to wraparound services including therapy, group programming, mentorship opportunities, and extracurricular activities
Serve as a mandated reporter and adhere to all child safety, ethical, and confidentiality requirements
Participate in weekly supervision with the Manager of Intervention Support Services
Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant documentation of all services, contacts, and participant outcomes in required systems
Manage an individual caseload of participants receiving mentorship and/or case management services
Attend departmental meetings, agency-wide staff meetings, trainings, and community meetings as required
Assist with program activities, outreach efforts, and community-based events to support youth engagement and overall program success