Youth Engagement Specialist

2 weeks ago


Washington, Washington, D.C., United States Family & Youth Initiative Full time
Position Overview

ABOUT FAMILY & YOUTH INITIATIVE

The Family & Youth Initiative (DCFYI) is dedicated to fostering community and enduring connections for adolescents and young adults in the foster care system. Our community-oriented programs utilize events to unite teens and adults, facilitating meaningful interactions. Relationships formed during these events lead to adult-teen partnerships for mentoring, host parenting, and adoption. We firmly believe in the transformative power of relationships. DCFYI volunteers also assist youth in navigating post-secondary education and career paths while cultivating essential social and emotional skills, as well as self-confidence, to empower them toward productive, independent adult lives.

DCFYI is seeking a Youth Engagement Specialist to ensure positive outcomes for all program participants.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

  • You are passionate about providing every young individual with lifelong family support.
  • You recognize the challenges faced by youth in foster care or those who have experienced trauma, and you aspire to make a significant impact on their lives.
  • You advocate for youth empowerment and believe in allowing young people to take the lead.
  • You seek a dynamic role that offers variety and challenges.
  • You are eager to take initiative and contribute innovative ideas to enhance our initiatives.
  • You thrive in a small team environment where your contributions are not only valued but essential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Oversee youth engagement and ensure DCFYI effectively serves all participating youth.
    1. Present the program and cultivate relationships with youth to foster ongoing engagement.
    2. Maintain regular communication with all youth participants.
  2. Weekend Program Coordination
    1. Plan events at least 45 days in advance.
    2. Collaborate with program staff to design and execute weekend events that promote adult-teen relationships.
      1. Organize events that facilitate relationship building.
      2. Develop events aligned with a strategic plan to provide opportunities for youth and adults ready for matching.
    3. Attend all program events (typically one to two per month, usually on Saturdays);
    4. Prioritize youth participation and ensure their involvement;
    5. Utilize events to introduce youth to new experiences;
    6. Actively encourage interactions between youth and volunteers.
  3. Program Management
    1. Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure appropriate matches between youth and adults.
      1. Understand each youth's preferences and interests regarding matching.
      2. Facilitate the matching process and participate in relevant meetings.
    2. Check in with youth to assess the progress of matches and facilitate any necessary adjustments.
  4. Collaboration with External Partners
    1. Engage with social workers and provide regular updates.
    2. Participate in youth team meetings as needed.
    3. Reach out to social workers and adoption recruiters monthly for new referrals.
  5. Serve as a Resource Expert for DCFYI
    1. Stay informed about other youth-serving programs and resources.
    2. Ensure current information on services for youth in and aged out of foster care is accessible to both youth and DCFYI volunteers.
  6. Maintain Accurate Records
    1. Keep up-to-date documentation of youth involvement and status in DCFYI's database;
    2. Document all interactions, meetings, and communications with child welfare staff in the database.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks.

Family & Youth Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in hiring or employment.

Qualifications

THIS ROLE IS IDEAL FOR YOU IF YOU:

  • Are results-driven.
  • Understand the significance of documentation and are committed to accurately tracking and reporting outcomes.
  • Possess strong relationship-building skills and can establish trust, particularly with youth, volunteers, and external child welfare professionals.
  • Pay meticulous attention to detail and comprehend how it impacts the overall mission.
  • Can effectively manage a diverse set of tasks and deadlines.
  • Have a strong understanding of intercultural dynamics and are comfortable in a culturally diverse setting.
  • Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate outstanding listening abilities.
  • Value young people's voices, consider their perspectives, and support them in decision-making processes.
  • Can solve problems while maintaining confidentiality.
  • Are prepared to be hands-on and adaptable.
  • Are willing to work evenings and weekends for meetings and events (compensatory time provided).

YOUR EXPERIENCE SHOULD INCLUDE:

  • A Bachelor's degree (preferred).
  • A minimum of two years of experience working directly with youth in foster care or those who have faced trauma.
  • Experience in volunteer management (preferred).
  • Strong computer skills; familiarity with database systems; experience with CRMs is a plus.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Background clearances are required before starting the position.
  • A valid driver's license and access to a vehicle for weekend events and youth visits are necessary.
  • Proof of COVID vaccination is required.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $47,000 - $51,000, depending on experience, and includes healthcare benefits as well as paid holiday and sick leave.



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