Community Outreach Specialist

Ada County is a great place to work! We have more than 2000 employees dedicated to enhancing our community’s quality of life. Our Juvenile Services team is growing, and this is an excellent opportunity to be a part of taking this team to the next level.

We offer a competitive benefits package which includes excellent medical, dental and vision insurance; generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start; 11 paid holidays a year; participation in one of the  Nation's best state retirement systems which includes 11.96% employer contribution; various savings plans including a deferred compensation 457(b) plan with up to 3% county match; 401K plan; paid parental leave; life insurance; wellness programs; ongoing training opportunities and career pathing. This generous Ada County Total Rewards package increases the base salary by approximately 40 percent.

OUR VISION
Inspiring hope for the future

OUR VALUES

• Caring - We care about the work we do, the individuals we serve and the people we work with.
• Authentic - We value our individual strengths and unique passions, and we play to the strengths of others.
• Positive - We look for the good and we bring energy and enthusiasm to our work.
• Present - We choose to be here, and we listen actively and with respect.
  
  

Learn more about Ada County Juvenile Services by visiting their website. Ada County Juvenile Services


POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY
This position assists Ada County Juvenile Services (ACJS) in coordinating efforts for the Community Outreach Program. The Community Outreach program supports youth and families in need of assistance by helping provide services, information, and resources related to recreation opportunities, employment support, and other programs intended to improve individual well-being and community cohesion. The incumbent works directly with clients and community program contacts, maintains a database of program resources, and helps identify and connect resources. This position supports the Resource Center, Programs, Detention, and Probation divisions, and reports to “The Bridge” Resource Center Program Manager.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:
The incumbent works under general direction and completes work assignments in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, and accepted practices. The role requires a proactive, solution-oriented individual to work with at-risk youth while building partnerships with community stakeholders.

• Works with clients one-on-one, in groups, classroom, detention, school, or community environments;
• Collaborates with Detention, Probation, and The Bridge divisions to provide resource support and case management for youth and families;
• Builds and cultivates partnerships with community organizations and businesses to expand the program's reach and opportunities;
• Acts as a liaison for ACJS Community Based Programming with both internal and external partners;
• Conducts Independent Living Skills (ILS) training and provides Independent Livings Assessments;
• Provides individual advocacy to complement client self-advocacy when needed and appropriate;
• Maintains a working knowledge and up-to-date understanding of community resources and the services provided;
• Sources new community resources as well as through a client-need basis; 
• Coordinates and implements job development and placement programs for youth clients;
• Teach curriculum in Detention contributing to youth’s educational development including but not limited to employability, finances, relationships, etc.;
• Travels around the community to meet clients and program contacts, conduct site visits, and facilitate tours of community resource facilities;
• Works with local school staff and school resource officers to engage youth in programs;
• Enters and maintains referrals and client information in database;
• Monitors progress of juveniles’ participation in the programs;
• Assists with overflow for The Bridge, providing case management support as needed.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists Employment Career Opportunities (ECO) Teacher and provides coverage as needed;
• Conducts program recruitment activities as requested;
• Assists in grant related activities, including writing grant applications;
• Assists in collecting information to evaluate effectiveness of program and develop improvement plans as needed; 
• Coordinates program efforts in conjunction with probation officers; 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in Social Work, Criminal Justice or a related field preferred;
• Previous experience working with at-risk juveniles preferred;
• Knowledge of modern social service practices and philosophy; 
• Knowledge of modern probation services; 
• Knowledge of local community organizations; 
• Knowledge of employment opportunities and resources; 
• Knowledge of supervision procedures and practices;
• Knowledge of group dynamics and facilitation;
• Knowledge of adolescent development and delinquency issues;
• Skill in developing and maintaining databases;
• Strong problem-solving, interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), teamwork, and conflict resolution skills preferred;
• Ability to effectively work with community organizations;
• Ability to plan and organize work; 
• Ability to understand and interpret laws and regulations;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho driver’s license;
• Must pass a criminal background check;
• Must adhere to the Code of Professional Ethics for Ada County Juvenile Court employees;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

• Work will be performed primarily in an office environment and will also require the ability to work in the field; 
• Requires the ability to lift up to 20 lbs.;
• Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to permit the employee to function in a general office environment and accomplish tasks;
• May be required to work a flexible schedule on occasion.

DISCLAIMER:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran’s Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed “key positions” in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.

Salary : $24 - $28