Youth Development Navigator

PAY RANGE: 54,000 -58,000 a year

OUR MISSION

SafeFutures Youth Center empowers and advocates for under-served young people from low-income communities and communities of color to maximize their potential. The Youth Center’s prevention and intervention programs and services aim to reduce youths’ involvement in the juvenile justice system, gangs, and school truancy and drop out. We are here to ensure that our young people emerge confident, resourceful, engaged community members with the tools and support to navigate their futures.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, provide an array of youth/young adult development and community support services (aka case management services) to 20 to 30 youth in City of Seattle who are in need of support by providing motivation and guidance towards academic and career success.

Youth Development & Community Support services primarily act as prevention and intervention tools for youth who are most at-risk of or are currently involved with gangs and the juvenile legal system. The Youth Development Navigators (YDN) provide counseling and act as advocates for the youth and families.

Community Support intervention and prevention services include conducting a comprehensive assessment, developing individualized service plans, leadership development (individual and group), employment readiness training and workshops, year round and summer employment programs, resource mapping, providing wrap around services and weekly engagements, etc.... Community support services are result-based services proven to increase positive academic, social, and behavioral outcomes and reduce harmful behaviors and influences. This represents a concerted effort to stop the school to prison pipeline within our communities and advance the goal toward zero youth detention.

POSITION SCHEDULE & BENEFITS

• 40 hrs/wk FTE, M-Fri, 9 am - 6 pm
• This position will require some work during evenings and occasional weekends.
• Includes full medical, dental, group life, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Comprehensive on-boarding and job training.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work with 20-30 youth who are currently involved or at-risk of being involved in the juvenile legal system, gangs, and/or academic failure.
• Work with youth and families who low-income, from communities of color between the ages of 14-24. Develop & lead peer group, employment training, leadership development workshops/activities based upon current and past issues which impact the youth
• Provide crisis management to address critical situations
• Conduct home visits, provide case management, individual and group counseling, referral, follow up, and family support. Involves direct communication with parents & youth.
• Contact or visit probation counselors, juvenile courts, teachers, and other related agencies.
• Complete thorough assessments and create individualized action plans for caseload youth.
• Maintain case files, evaluation records, computerized information systems, and other related paperwork.
• Engage the juvenile legal system through various meetings, presentations, and collaborative efforts to inform, promote, and contribute to the cause of racial equity, social justice, cultural responsiveness, and restorative community solutions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BA Degree, preferably in social work, counseling, education or related social services field.
• 2 years of direct social service experience with low income BIPOC youth and families involved in the juvenile legal system; and/or professional experience providing any of the essential functions listed above.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Computer proficiency (Microsoft Office, database entry, report drafting, etc.)
• Valid Washington State Driver License with a safe/clean driving record

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working experience with communities of color, refugee communities, and/or immigrant communities.
• Ability to build rapport and work well with underserved youth
• Ability to gather, analyze and use data to create, manage, and evaluate various programs to meet the needs of youth
• Demonstrated ability to develop and operate youth peer groups and activities
• Ability to develop and implement academic and social skill building curriculum
• Knowledge of different cultures and refugee/immigrant history and relevant issues which impact the minority community
• Knowledge of the juvenile justice system and the public school system
• Knowledge of alcohol/drug, mental health, and youth gang issues
• Master’s Degree preferred or a combination of education and/or training and/or work experience which provides the ability to perform the essential functions of the position
• Bilingual/bicultural, in Spanish encouraged

APPLICATION INSTRUCTION

• Attaching a Cover Letter and Resume is required
• Include email and phone number