Youth Engagement Advocate

Facing Forward To End•Chicago, IL

13h•$48,838 - $52,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Engagement Advocate will conduct assessments with young people, ages 13-24, to determine strengths, barriers, resources, and pathways to educational and financial self-sufficiency. This role involves developing and implementing plans with young people and families to increase engagement in education, academic achievement, and social/emotional resilience. The advocate will collaborate with schools and community-based agencies to ensure young people are prepared for college and/or careers, and will advocate for the rights of young people with special needs, connecting them to appropriate supports. Additionally, the role includes referring young people and their families to various resources, assisting students with college and financial aid applications, and providing support for those re-enrolling in high school or pursuing equivalency programs. Direct support for job readiness, including resume development and mock interviews, is also a key function, as is assisting young people in connecting to workforce development programs and providing life skills education.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Youth Development, Social Work, or related field from an accredited college or university
Minimum two years of experience providing college- and career-preparedness services to homeless or low-income youth and their families
Proficient in use and knowledge of Microsoft Office and general office equipment
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with students and families who have experienced trauma, people with disabilities including mental illness, and people who may be agitated or upset
Ability to show empathy and remain nonjudgmental
Ability to make independent judgments
Ability to manage multiple tasks
Valid driver’s license and insurance

Nice To Haves

training or certification in Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction
knowledgeable of Positive Youth Development, post-secondary education, and Chicago-area workforce development resources

Responsibilities

Conduct assessments with young people, ages 13-24, to determine strengths, barriers, resources, and pathways to educational and financial self-sufficiency.
Develop and implement plans with young people and families to increase engagement in education, academic achievement, and social/emotional resilience.
Collaborate with schools and community-based agencies to ensure that young people are prepared to for college and/or careers.
Advocate for the rights of young people with special needs and connect them to appropriate supports.
Refer young people and their families to resources for tutoring, homework help, college and/or career preparedness, out-of-school time programs, social/emotional development, mental health services, etc.
Assist students in navigating the college application and financial aid application process.
Conduct follow-up with young people who are currently in college, including those who are attending college outside of Chicago.
For residents 16-24 who are not currently enrolled and do not have a high school diploma, assists with re-enrolling in traditional or alternative high schools, or with engaging in a high school equivalency program.
Provide direct support including resume development, mock interviews, and job search assistance. Collaborate with or refer to EAA for further support.
Using an employment navigation framework, assist young people in connecting to workforce development programs and education, including trade and apprenticeship programs; provides ongoing follow up to support retention.
Provide life skill education to assist young residents in adjusting to employment and/or secondary education (for example, providing financial education for resident with new earnings).
Consult with Facing Forward staff, including Case Managers, and EAA, on the education and career needs of youth and young adults.
Conduct independent home visits; meets with clients in the office and in community locations.
Identify and track high school seniors and assess: Graduation requirements for each student, Student’s progress towards fulfilling graduation requirements (on/off track).
Provide relevant resources for senior high school students who may be in jeopardy of not graduating on time (i.e. bus cards, tutoring referrals, service learning project resources, etc.).
Develop and execute post-graduation plan with high school seniors which may include: Completing Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, Supporting youth with exploring options such as enrolling in the military, understanding college enrollment requirements, setting up college tours, etc.
Provide training to Facing Forward staff on youth centered topics.
Act as a resource to other staff regarding the education needs of youth and young adults.
Provide tasks supervision to volunteers and interns as needed.
Assist program leadership in program development and evaluation, data collection, record keeping and reporting.
Work with program leadership to develop outcome measures related to career and education attainment of youth and young adults and monitor and analyze performance data to inform program planning.
Documents all client contacts and all services provided in progress notes.
Maintains updated paper files in neat and legible condition.
Completes all required paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
Completes timely and accurate data entry into HMIS and any additional database as needed according to agency policy.
Uses email and other technologies to communicate with staff and others and to efficiently complete work assignments.
Protects the organization’s value by keeping information confidential.
Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks, participating in professional organizations.
Performs other duties as assigned; including but not limited to cleaning of office space and common areas, sorting donations, additional reporting and data entry responsibilities, and facilitating special events.
Attendance at staff meetings as required.
Attendance at special events as directed by supervisor.