GENERAL SUMMARY:

The role of the Aftercare Specialist is to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all youth seeking services at Covenant House New Orleans (CHNO) and to represent the agency in the community in accordance with the Covenant House Mission Statement, Five Principles, and Core Values. The goal of this role is to help our clients in becoming as independent and self-sufficient as possible, as well as to access/utilize their community resources to the best of their abilities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiate and maintain positive, professional, and mentoring relationships with youth and staff in accordance with the Covenant House Mission, Principles, and Core Values.
• Promote a peaceful, healing environment by utilizing the principles and practices of trauma-informed care and positive youth development in all aspects of work and youth engagement, including crisis prevention, intervention, and de-escalation.
• Support youth transitioning out of Covenant House residential programs by providing aftercare services and counseling to locate/secure stable housing and access community resources to help ensure sustainability, as well as allow for follow-up contact to provide needed services (e.g. getting copies of documents, picking up storage, etc.). This includes individuals with negative or positive discharges.
• Provide follow-up case management to youth who have returned to family or relatives, including family counseling.
• Serve as client advocate engaging support/social service agencies in the community when necessary.
• Transport youth in agency vehicle to partnering in-kind services, including CHNO services and external agencies. Assist with transportation to emergencies as they arise.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to landlords/outside agencies as necessary. This may involve emergency utility assistance, …
• Maintain proper documentation for client and Aftercare files as required by CHNO and other funding sources. Ensure compliance and execution of the terms of grant contracts.
• Maintain proper documentation of client and Aftercare files in HMIS, ETO, and other information systems as required. This includes status reports on alumni.
• Report to Team Leader- Outreach and Aftercare weekly to discuss concerns/follow up regarding the clients and their case plans.
• Attend all trainings (unless specifically excused by supervisor) and integrate information and tools into individualized tasks and responsibilities.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in social services preferred OR, a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with at-risk youth or special needs populations.
• Prior experience working with youth who have experienced homelessness, trauma, or other emotional and behavioral challenges using a trauma informed approach.
• Emotional and intellectual maturity and stability.
• Knowledge of community resources and the ability to make referrals.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills- the ability to motivate others and to be culturally sensitive when developing rapport with youth/co-workers.
• Valid driver’s license.