Youth Engagement Specialist

National Youth Advocate Program•Chicago, IL

6d•$23

About The Position

The Youth Engagement Specialist works to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families being served by the National Youth Advocate Program by working closely with the youth and family to provide advocacy and support towards targeted goals. The candidate we are seeking should have experience working with youth that have experienced trauma. Working At NYAP Working At NYAP Competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k) Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance 22 days off each year 11 paid holidays per year Student loan repayment assistance Tuition assistance Friday Summer hours Work anniversary trips Mileage reimbursement Peace Leave Paid Parental Leave Benefits listed are for eligible employees as outlined by our benefit policy.

Requirements

21 years of age or older.
High School Diploma or equivalent GED.
Working, reliable telephone.
Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers,smartphones and tablets, printers, fax machines and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet and database programs
Valid driver’s license
Reliable personal transportation
Good driving record
Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,00/$300,000 bodily injury liability

Nice To Haves

Associate’s Degree in social services is preferred.
2 years’ experience working directly with youth and families is preferred.
Works well independently and as a team member.
Multi-task efficiently and be flexible in all situations.
Openness to traveling as needed.
The person in this position needs to follow a team concept and support both agency goals and co-workers.
Employees must be able to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Perform all work in a manner consistent with the National Youth Advocate Programs mission, values, and philosophies.
Participate in the development of the youth treatment/service plans with the client, caregiver(s), referring agency, caseworker, significant family member(s), and natural support.
Identify resources and services in the community that may not be available through the internal service continuum.
Assist in family reunification efforts with the youths’ primary families or other permanent living arrangements consistent with the youth’s case plan.
Regularly review the goals, progress, and activities of the assigned youth with the supervisor.
Complete all relevant training on a timely basis as required by state, contract, and/or licensing agency standards.
Complete all required documentation in a timely manner.
Maintain client contact as required by program expectations.
Actively and directly engage with the youth to meet service needs and goals/objectives of the treatment/service plan.
Interact with the youth to develop a trusting, supportive relationship while assisting the youth in achieving identified goals