Youth AdvocateCommunity 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:
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 and Salary Schedule: 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.
Personal Attributes: Follow agency Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources; ethically conduct self; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, participants, and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in the 53212 neighborhood and surrounding areas. Hours are 10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily with some flexibility and weekends, as needed.Physical Demands: Ability to sit for long periods, stand, reach, bend, climb stairs, and lift to 30 pounds.