Youth Engagement Specialist

2 weeks ago

Chicago, Illinois, United States Chicago Housing Authority Full time

POSITION SUMMARY

The Youth Engagement Specialist will collaborate closely with the Manager of Youth Opportunities to shape and implement the Chicago Housing Authority's (CHA) strategy for youth engagement. This role is essential in integrating a positive youth development approach into the programs and services offered by Resident Services. The Specialist will enhance pathways for young residents to access Early Head Start, Head Start, pre-K, childcare services, and elementary education through partnerships with city organizations. Additionally, the Specialist will expand opportunities for school-aged youth during out-of-school hours and assist young adult residents in pursuing educational and alternative career avenues.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design and oversee programs that provide approximately 2,000 youth and emerging adults, aged 13-24, with exposure to career and employment pathways through workshops, summer employment, and immersive learning experiences.
  • Work in partnership with community stakeholders to advocate for early learning initiatives targeting children aged 0-8, while staying informed about trends in early childhood education and professional development.
  • Facilitate connections for school-aged youth, ages 6-21, to a diverse array of quality out-of-school time opportunities, focusing on academic success and the development of 21st-century skills.
  • Link emerging adults, ages 18-24, to various CHA programs, including Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Community Transition Options (CTO), FamilyWorks, Mobility, and Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC).
  • Establish and nurture relationships with youth residents to foster trust and confidence, encouraging their participation in programs and activities to enhance engagement and retention.
  • Maintain consistent communication, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders to promote CHA's initiatives and activities.
  • Conduct site assessments and lead monthly meetings and professional development sessions for CHA's contracted FamilyWorks providers and partners, fostering a collaborative learning environment among youth-serving staff.
  • Identify and cultivate new partnerships while leveraging existing relationships and evidence-based practices to address programming gaps and identify areas for enhancement.
  • Continuously evaluate partner alignment to determine the necessity for ongoing collaboration or potential disengagement.
  • Collaborate with the Education team, CHA's Family Centered Coaching program, and other divisions within the Resident Services Department to deliver educational and out-of-school resources to families.
  • Manage documentation, data, and administrative tasks as required by CHA, including maintaining monthly calendars and progress reports for all activities.
  • Provide weekly and monthly updates to highlight program successes, challenges, and proposed solutions.
  • Serve as a mentor and role model, demonstrating positive behaviors that promote growth and development for youth and emerging adults through supportive interactions.
  • Contribute to CHA's Strategic Plan aimed at fostering resilient families and recognizing residents who make strides toward economic independence.
  • Engage approximately 7,000 youth in out-of-school programming, whether virtually or in-person, each year in collaboration with team members and program partners.
  • Participate in staff meetings and training sessions while managing multiple projects and opportunities concurrently.
  • Assist in the establishment of a new CHA Youth Council at the property level.
  • Acquire, maintain, and disseminate knowledge of effective youth development strategies and contemporary practices in the field.
  • This role may require working outside of standard hours, including weekends, and offers the possibility of remote work one day per week after a successful probationary period.
  • Other duties and projects may be assigned as necessary.

EDUCATIONAL AND ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

A Bachelor's degree is required, along with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating youth development programs in out-of-school settings, particularly with youth or emerging adults from low-income backgrounds. Alternatively, a combination of four (4) years of education and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience is acceptable. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, including the ability to present to large groups and effectively mobilize teams from ideas to action. Experience in public speaking, participant recruitment, providing technical assistance, and professional development for youth-serving organizations is preferred. The ideal candidate will be a team player capable of managing competing priorities and working independently with minimal supervision. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Teams, and Zoom is required. A valid driver's license is also necessary.

COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $55,000 – 60,000

GRADE: S6

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

UNION STATUS: None

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