Youth Advocate

Grand Rapids Public Schools•Grand Rapids, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated, self-directed and productive members of society. Youth Advocate Specialist Department: Community and Student Affairs Unit: Support Non-Exempt Wage: Compensation range listed is based on an average 1-15 years of experience, as determine by Human Resources Grade 203 - specific wage is based on actual relevant years of experience Direct Supervisor: Director of Community and Student Affairs JOB SUMMARY The Youth Advocate Specialist provides support for scholars at risk, their parents, family members and guardians. The Youth Advocate Specialist will also work with school building staff (principal, teachers, social workers, and other team members) to advocate for the rights of children at risk.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
One ( 1) year of demonstrated experience working with at-risk scholars and families.
Must hold a valid Driver’s License and have reliable transportation.
Knowledge of Outlook and scholar information systems or the willingness and the ability to learn.
Skills in organization and leadership.
Ability to work with computers and have working knowledge of Windows based programs (word processing).
Ability to effectively function as a professional team member.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with diverse populations.
Ability to deal with the multiplicity of an urban community population.
Ability to demonstrate excellent attendance and punctuality.
Ability to work with confidential information and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in education, criminal justice, social work, human services, or a related field
Working knowledge of Microsoft and scholar information systems or the willingness and the ability to learn

Responsibilities

Provides Title I services to early childhood intervention programs, elementary, middle, and high school scholars identified as eligible for Title I services, including monitoring attendance, academic, behavioral and SEL support.
Assists with team approach (scholar, family, teachers, advocate, and principal) to assess appropriate intervention plans.
Reports and articulates scholar concerns with appropriate stakeholders.
Visits with identified Title I scholars to seek suitable options to help resolve concerns.
Assists Title I scholars with being proactive in making choices that will lead to their success.
Encourages and works with parents/guardians to actively participate in the decision-making process designed to impact their Title I child’s educational growth.
Develops a positive relationship with Title I scholars, staff, and parents.
Works as part of the school team and assists with creating a safe and orderly environment that is conducive to learning.
Makes telephone calls to parents and/or meets with them if needed.
Assists Title I scholars with transition.
Documents Title I scholar/family contacts, maintains data, and provides on an on-going basis.
Attends assigned trainings and meetings.
Interacts with co-workers, administration, Title I scholars, parents, and the community in positive, supportive, and cooperative ways.
Performs other duties as assigned and as allowed by grant funding.