Youth Engagement Specialist

2 weeks ago

Chicago, Illinois, United States Lawrence Hall Full time

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct oversight of the Reporting Center Supervisor, the Youth Engagement Specialist is tasked with the transportation of youth, preparation of meals, implementation of restorative justice practices, and facilitation of structured recreational and social/emotional educational groups. This role involves assisting youth in formulating individual development plans aimed at enhancing their educational, life skills, and employment prospects. Continuous training in best practices is essential. At Lawrence Hall, we uphold a culture founded on four core values: Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork, which are integral to our trauma-informed care philosophy and influence every role within the organization. Frequent use of agency vehicles for youth transport is required, along with effective verbal and written communication skills. Flexibility in work schedules to meet program needs is necessary, including availability for morning, evening, and weekend shifts.

KEY DUTIES:

  • Transport youth to and from the Reporting Center and other necessary appointments daily.
  • Represent the youth and the agency to external stakeholders with professionalism.
  • Provide direct supervision for all youth in the program during operational hours.
  • Conduct orientation sessions for new participants.
  • Develop and coordinate youth engagement activities focused on enrichment and career exploration to support individual goal achievement.
  • Create Individual Achievement Plans in collaboration with youth.
  • Coordinate youth services with key stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support for youth and their families.
  • Facilitate social/emotional educational groups based on established curriculum and service programming.
  • Build strong, supportive relationships with youth.
  • Document services, attendance, and interactions in the designated electronic documentation system as per program requirements.
  • Collaborate to organize educational and career-related activities, including guest speakers and field trips.
  • Work with external service providers to address ongoing needs in recreational and workforce development groups.
  • Provide supplementary services as needed, including coping strategies for mental, emotional, and learning disabilities, as well as financial literacy programming.
  • Enhance knowledge of community resources consistently.
  • Utilize active and reflective listening skills to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative labels.
  • Recognize that behaviors and emotions are often survival skills developed in response to trauma.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all employees, volunteers, and program participants to ensure a safe environment.
  • Attend a minimum of two trauma-informed training sessions annually.
  • Effectively engage with program participants, family members, employees, and vendors in a culturally diverse setting to support healing and recovery.
  • Keep personal and program service areas organized and tidy.
  • Demonstrate effective multitasking and time management skills.
  • Participate in all required team meetings and in-service training.
  • Engage in program evaluation as necessary.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement initiatives as assigned.
  • Complete necessary documentation accurately.
  • Communicate effectively with internal programs for referral services and external agencies regarding youth needs and program services.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor when representing the agency or youth.
  • Engage in ongoing education and professional development to ensure best practices.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School diploma with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Ability to effectively facilitate group discussions.
  • Flexibility, amiability, and a willingness to collaborate as part of a team.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, with excellent time management and strong computer skills.
  • Knowledge of childhood trauma and experience working with youth and families affected by trauma preferred.
  • Understanding of youth development and adolescent issues, with a focus on positive youth development and strength-based approaches preferred.
  • Access to a personal vehicle and proof of insurance.
  • Valid Illinois Driver's license.
  • No history of child abuse or neglect.
  • Ability to pass background checks and drug screenings.

This position is classified as Exempt under FLSA regulations.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

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