Youth Advocate -Student Support Specialist II

IMPACT NW GROUP•Portland, OR

15h•$24 - $24•Hybrid

About The Position

At Impact NW, we are a nonprofit with a mission to prevent homelessness, believing in the fundamental right to a beautiful life, stability, and peace, filled with opportunity and community support, especially for Indigenous, Black, Brown, Melanated, Immigrant, and Asian people. We seek individuals who put people first, see the beauty in people, promote peace, and find a way. Our vision is a future where housing is a human right. The SUN Youth Advocacy (SYA) program connects youth to a supportive adult advocate to help them navigate barriers and reach their goals academically, socially, and emotionally.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent in social work, child development or related field
Minimum of two (2) years experience in a human services, social work or related field, preferably working with low-income youth
Familiarity with SE/SW Portland cultures and communities
Strong classroom/small group management skills
Excellent capacity for connecting positively with adolescent youth
Strong ability to form, maintain and foster relationships with school and community partners
Ability to effectively work within a strength-based, integrated family support service delivery system
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite & Google Suite
Strong organizational and time-management skills and ability to prioritize and complete multiple and varied tasks
Sensitivity and ability to relate to people from diverse lifestyles, socioeconomic levels, and cultures
Ability to work independently
Has reliable transportation (mileage to and from worksites are eligible for reimbursement)
Possession of valid Driver License and up-to-date Vehicle Insurance Coverage
Willingness to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and occasional weekends
Willingness to work as a team member and support the mission and goals of Impact NW

Nice To Haves

Bachelor degree in social work or related field
Bicultural (English/Spanish)
Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Responsibilities

Traveling/driving to various schools and worksites (SE Portland: Kellogg MS, Franklin HS, Impact NW worksites- Dancing Tree and Brentwood Darlington; SW Portland: Ida B Wells HS, Jackson MS, Robert Gray MS).
Implementing and delivering age-appropriate, trauma-informed, client-centered programming and services.
Develop and maintain a working knowledge of best practices for prevention and intervention services for issues related to poverty, homelessness, juvenile delinquency, family dysfunction and school challenges.
Effectively interact with a diverse population of volunteers, staff, and community members.
Meet program service standards set forth by the program’s supervisor regarding quantity, type, and quality of services to be delivered to clients.
Attend ongoing training for the curriculum used in the school classroom setting.
Attend agency and community meetings and trainings as required.
Provide outreach and case management services.
Supporting middle and high school-aged youth in grades 6th through 12th grade.
Form, maintain and foster positive relationships with youth and their families.
Support youth in academics, social, and emotional well-being that include but are not limited to: meeting 1:1 and/or small group settings to set goals; challenges and barriers youth are facing; exposure to education and career opportunities; skill building.
Creating, reviewing, and updating youth’s Individual Success Plan, comprehensive needs and strengths assessment.
Advocacy to ensure youth's overall success in and out of school includes, but is not limited to: meeting with school partners (teachers, counselors, support staff), parents and/or community partners; class observations.
Connecting/referring youth to other school and community services as needed, which includes but not limited to academic tutoring, after-school and summer programs, school clubs, affinity groups, and community support and events.
Supporting youth’s family with basic necessities to lower barriers to youths' overall success that include but are not limited to: home visits, rental and utilities assistance, food and clothing resources, attending school/parent meetings with youth and their family.
Complete accurate, legible, and timely documentation of services.
Keeping track of interaction and communication with youth and their families.
Tracking prevention and intervention activities, tasks and progress.
Documenting client information in the agency and Multnomah County databases.
Forming and fostering relationships with school staff and community.
Effectively communicating and collaborating with other Impact NW programs, school staff and community partners.