Lawrence Hall is Hiring a Reporting Center Youth Specialist Near Chicago, IL
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Under the direct supervision of the Reporting Center Supervisor. Responsible for youth transportation, meal preparation, restorative justice implementation, and structured recreation and facilitation of social/emotional education groups. Youth Specialist will assist youth in creating individual development plans to support progress in education, life skills and employment areas. Responsible for continuous training in best practice. Requires knowledge of trauma exposure, knowledge of the 5 S' of trauma: Safety, Self-Regulation/Soothing, Supportive, Strengths, Self-Care, and an understanding of and recognition of the signs of traumatic stress. Frequent utilization of agency vehicle for transport of youth multiple times a day. Effective use of verbal and written communications skills. Mentor must have the flexibility to adjust work schedule to the needs of the program. Ability to work mornings, evenings and weekends as scheduled. RESPONSIBILITIES:
Transport youth to and from the Reporting Center or other required appointments on a daily basis
Represent the youth and agency to external stakeholders with professionalism
Provide line-of-site supervision for all youth in the program during all program hours
Provide Introduction and Orientation to new participants
Develop, coordinate and assist youth engagement of enrichment or career exploration activities focused on helping youth make progress toward individual goals
Develop Individual Achievement Plans with youth
Coordinate youth services with key stakeholders to support provision of wrap-around services for youth and their families
Facilitate social/emotional educational groups based on curriculum and service programming
Ability to develop strong, supportive relationships with youth
Document services, attendance and interactions in the appropriate electronic documentation system as outlined in program contracts
Work collaboratively to coordinate educational/career activities, guest speakers, field trips etc.
Collaborates with external service providers to address ongoing needs in recreational groups and workforce development groups
Provides supplementary services, as needed including Coping with Mental, Emotional, and Learning Disabilities; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and transgender employment services; and financial literacy programming
Consistently increase knowledge of community resources
Uses active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
Understand that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment
Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve-month period
Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
Maintain personal area and program service areas in a neat and orderly fashion
Multitask and manage time effectively
Attend all team meetings and in-service training as required
Participate in program evaluation as required
Participate in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities as assigned
Accurately complete documents as needed
Effectively communicate with internal programs for referral services (co-enrollment) and/or referring agencies regarding youth needs, placement and program services
Maintain a professional standard when representing the agency or youth
Engage in continuing education and professional development in an effort to provide best practice
Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
A High School diploma with 3 years of related work experience
Ability to effectively facilitate groups and engage in discussion
Must be flexible, amiable & willing to work as part of a team
Must be highly organized, detail focused, have excellent time management, and possess strong computer skills
Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred