Youth Engagement Specialist - DFCS

County of Santa Clara•San Jose, CA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, to engage and provide peer-to-peer outreach support services to emancipated foster youth and to assist in the program operations of the Hub Youth Resource/Community Center. The Department of Family & Children’s Services (DFCS) Family Support Bureau, Transition Age Youth Unit has a vacancy for a Youth Engagement Specialist (YES), located at the Hub youth center, 1510 Parkmoor Avenue, San Jose, CA. 95128 The YES will engage and provide peer- to peer-outreach and support services to former foster youth ages 18-25. The YES will work closely with the Bill Wilson Center to coordinate services and programs for the Hub membership ages 15-25 years. The Youth Engagement Specialist is an entry and working level classification in partnership with the Employment Support Unclassified Program (ESUP) in the County Employment for Foster Youth Program. The ideal candidate should have experience working directly with foster youth and building relationships to engage in program services.

Requirements

Lived experience as a dependent of the foster care system
Six (6) months experience providing outreach and peer support to emancipated foster youth
Knowledge of foster youth culture and experience
Knowledge of local resources for current and former foster youth
Knowledge of basic youth engagement strategies
Knowledge of common computer applications
Knowledge of basic office practices and procedures
Knowledge of procedures and etiquette greeting visitors and answering telephones
Knowledge of general English usage including grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Ability to communicate effectively in providing information and assisting callers and visitors
Ability to effectively engage and interact with current and former foster youth
Ability to understand, empathize, and identify with the experience of youth currently or formerly in the foster care system
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the youth, community partners, internal staff, and other stakeholders
Ability to prepare and demonstrate effective public presentations
Ability to use a computer and basic applications
Ability to follow and understand oral and written instructions

Responsibilities

Conducts outreach to educate community partners and foster care youth about Center services and resources available, including center tours, public presentations, or guest speaking engagements;
Acts as a peer mentor for former and current foster care youth who visit the Center, by providing and directing them to available resources and information;
Assists youth in utilizing Center resources such as computers, information boards, copiers, printers, and other onsite services;
Provides customer service to visitors, callers and answering questions and directing them to appropriate resources and services;
Maintains onsite resources which may include the HubMart, donations, and literature;
Assists with planning and implementing events, outings, and programs for former and current foster youth including creating event flyers, programs, and scripts;
Schedules and reserves rooms for events, meetings, and conferences onsite;
Prepares and sets up meeting rooms for conferences;
Ensures that the community/resource center is organized and presentable at all times;
May be assigned as Disaster Service Worker, as required;
Perform other related duties as required.