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
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strength-based approach preferred
• Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• Valid Illinois Driver's license
• No history of child abuse or neglect
• Ability to pass background and drug screen

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V