Youth Resource Navigator and Advocate

Position Overview:

This position will connect program participants to care and/or make referrals in a timely, coordinated manner. The ideal candidate will be able to assess and identify children and youth needs, support their primary caretaker in making connections to a robust community network of supportive services, and assist in cultivating activities that foster positive family engagement between incarcerated parents and their children within detention and correctional facilities. This role is pivotal in supporting our mission of improving family relationships and outcomes through personalized guidance and support.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Talk through the child/youth and caregiver’s concerns to understand their circumstances and challenges.

1. Offer information and referrals to children/youth and their caretakers on community resources and opportunities to advance child wellbeing and positive family engagement.

1. Work collaboratively with other VOA staff to develop a comprehensive resource plan tailored to the family’s specific needs.

1. Help children/youth and caregivers navigate the system of care to receive referrals to access necessary services including, but not limited to, housing, food assistance, physical and mental health care services, and education.

1. Conduct monthly check-ins with York County Jail’s administrator to identify incarcerated parents/caregivers and their children/youth with enhanced needs or challenges to prioritize and tailor service delivery and referrals.

1. Provide monthly parenting/skills education to incarcerated parents/caregivers (pre- and post-release) to improve communication and reduce conflict to create more positive relationships between parents/caregivers and children.

1. Improve visitation experiences by providing family activities/child services including game events, art projects, crafts, and holiday parties.

1. Conduct quarterly pro-social gatherings for children/youth, such as recreational, art, crafting, outdoor, or sport activities, to promote community connection and positive child development

1. Assist parents and caregivers with transportation and peer support for meetings and appointments, where feasible and appropriate.

1. Follow up with participants to ensure they have accessed resources effectively and provide additional support to overcome barriers preventing family engagement.

1. Support the development of an advisory working group comprised of VOANNE staff, YCJ staff, USM staff, and individuals with lived experience to inform the review of practices and implementation of system improvement recommendations.

1. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources and establish strong relationships with service providers.

1. Document interactions, provided services, and outcomes achieved in the organization’s case management tool.

1. Collaborate with York County Sheriff’s Office, University of Southern Maine, and other VOA departments, such as the Behavioral Health Clinical team, to enhance service delivery.

1. Serve as a positive role model, treating all individuals with respect, empathy, and professionalism.

1. Participate in staff meetings and contribute to team-based service delivery and problem-solving.

1. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated knowledge and work experience with children and youth is preferred, especially children and youth impacted by incarceration, juvenile justice, mental health, or child welfare services.

1. Knowledge and experience in creating, implementing, and maintaining Individual Resource and Development Plans (preferred).

1. Knowledge and experience working to connect children/youth with community-based resources and services.

1. Bachelor's degree in social work, or a related social science field, is preferred (not required).

1. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse populations in a culturally responsive way.

1. Demonstrated commitment to accountability, outcome measurement and results-driven work culture.

1. Strong commitment to positive child development and youth empowerment.

1. Proficient in computer skills and able to learn and utilize case management software.

1. Maintain all required professional licenses and professional training and successfully complete other training required by regulation, funding source, or the agency, such as CPR, and handling of hazardous materials.

1. Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and staff both on and off duty as defined by agency ethical codes.

1. Use effective judgment in crisis situations.

1. Must have own reliable vehicle and a valid state of Maine driver's license.  Additionally, a minimum of three years' good driving history is required.

1. Valid Maine driver’s license with a safe driving record and reliable transportation required.