Youth Advocate Community Improvement and Job Training (CIJT)

Youth Advocate Community Improvement and Job Training (CIJT)
Job Code: 2022-COMRS-001
Location: Community and Reintegration Services
Department: Community Improvement and Job Training
FT/PT Status: Part Time

Job Responsibilities:
Youth Advocate
Community Improvement and Job Training (CIJT)

Position Summary: This position is a Youth Advocate for the Community Improvement & Job Training (CIJT) Program providing guidance and case management services to adolescents and young adults 16 - 23. The primary focus of the youth advocate is on the personal, social, cultural, and educational development of CIJT participants.

Essential Functions:

1. Evaluate and asses the needs of youth ages 16-23 as they relate to the potential for and actual gang involvement.
2. Utilize evidence-based practices when providing direct services to the target population
3. Develop innovative and engaging techniques to recruit and retain participants
4. Provide one-on-one mentoring and career counseling to case load of 25-40 participants
5. Facilitate workshops and plan activities that encompass the program's core outcomes; AODA education, Life Skills, Gang Prevention, and Employment Readiness.
6. Develop and implement individual career and personal development plans.
7. Maintain participant records and ensure the confidentiality of all participant information.
8. Maintain a compilation of, and utilize, community resources.
9. Support the entry of information into assigned database, as required by funding source and Project Coordinator.
10. Assist in orientation, training, oversight, and coordination of all CIJT programming
11. Complete intake process and weekly progress notes, according to program requirements
12. Attend all team and other relevant meetings.

Job Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge of child/youth development; gang behavior and gang culture and effective programs and practices to reduce or eliminate gang involvement, patience and understanding of difficult life situations; the ability to interact with escalating youth and young adults in a professional manner; ability to follow oral and written instructions ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations proficient with Microsoft Work and basic computer functions uses time efficiently and effectively; ability to multi-task; sensitivity towards cultural, ethnic and disability issues.

Should have some knowledge in TABE Testing, community resources, and recruiting skills.

Minimal Qualifications: Must have previous experience working with adolescent and adult gangs, at-risk youth, adolescents and/or their families. Emphasis is on working with teams. BA/BS in Social Work, criminal justice, or social service-related field preferred, or equivalent experience. Must have insured automobile and valid driver's license. No convictions or license revocations that would fail a caregiver background check. Individuals must be able to interact at a comfortable level with at-risk youth and their families and with juveniles referred to the program.

PI