Youth Support Partner

Community Family Advocates•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Youth Support Partner, a member of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) Youth Support Partner Unit, supports the implementation efforts of Systems Integration and Improving Outcomes for Children and Families through family teaming. The primary responsibility of this position is to serve as a peer mentor, positive role model, advocate and support youth and young adults. The Youth Support Partner (YSP) will assist youth in achieving their goals, in making good choices, pursuing healthy life choices, handling adversity and peer pressure, connecting with resources, helping youth in having a voice and being accountable for their own lives and future. This position involves connecting with youth while working independently and with teams to identify, advocate and act as a liaison between youth and other professionals and community natural supports. Additional assignments may include work with DHS Senior Management Staff and Director as needed. Incumbent must have (1) personal life experience in one or more of the child serving human service systems, such as, juvenile justice, behavioral/mental health, intellectual disability, child welfare, drug & alcohol, etc. and (2) the ability to positively and appropriately self-disclose regarding that experience. Local and distant travel as required.

Requirements

Demonstrates sense of personal responsibility and accountability
Demonstrates ability to follow up and follow through on assignments and tasks
Demonstrates knowledge and some success with own life skills, i.e. budgeting, pursuing and maintaining education objectives and/or jobs, understanding of basic life skills (hard and soft skills), etc.
Demonstrates leadership abilities through taking initiative on projects, during meetings, and other peer support opportunities
Demonstrates the ability to manage personal and work boundaries, and seek support when needed
Demonstrates an ability to establish and accomplish goals
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrates ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds in a culturally competent manner
Outspoken, flexible and self-disciplined
Ability to take constructive criticism with an open mind
Ability to set and manage one’s own schedule and meet deadlines
Proven ability to adjust to changes
Knowledge of community resources
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to find creative solutions to problems/issues
Skilled at leading and inspiring by example
Skilled in public speaking
High School Diploma or equivalent, plus a minimum of 1 year combined work experience. Incumbent must have (1) personal life experience in one or more of the child-serving human service systems, such as juvenile justice, behavioral/mental health, intellectual disability, child welfare, drug & alcohol, etc. and (2) the ability to positively and appropriately self-disclose regarding that experience.
Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances
Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle to attend meetings and make home visits to the families.

Responsibilities

Serves as an advocate and peer mentor for youth currently receiving services through Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services.
Actively participates and completes the Family Development Credential, as well as other trainings and professional development opportunities, including High Fidelity Wraparound, if applicable.
Speaks up for the youth and the Youth Support Partner role in various settings – 1 on 1; in small groups; at meetings and large conferences, etc.
Acts as a resource on youth transition through the collection of information about the needs of young adults in any DHS System.
Represents the DHS in internal and external committees, meetings, taskforces, presentations, and at community, county and state events.
Provides access to educational opportunities and resources around the DHS system.
Works independently, as well as with teams, to assist youth in identifying and coordinating services, community resources and natural supports.
Coordinates youth involvement in a variety of opportunities, including but not limited to conference attendance involving out of town travel.
Coordinates youth involvement in evaluation projects.
Assists with the creation of publications, list-serves, websites and/or social media to promote and support related youth development activities.
Educates youth on how to advocate for their needs; have a voice and choice in matters related to their lives.
Creates partnerships with youth and professionals to help meet their needs.
Educates youth on independence and recovery.
Coordinates and helps facilitate support groups and/or social events.
Provides outreach, recruits, and identifies youth for the program.
Shares personal life experiences according to the Employee Self-Disclosure Guidance.
Serves as a role model for youth and others.
Completes all required paperwork (case notes, timesheets, expense reports, etc.) in a timely manner.