Youth Engagement Specialist

                                                                             LAWRENCE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, INC. D/B/A

355 Haverhill Street, Lawrence, MA 01840

Telephone: (978) 224-8808

Website: www.lawrenceprospera.org

The Youth Engagement Specialist is responsible for facilitating a robust youth engagement strategy with proven high risk young people. The Youth Engagement Specialist works closely with youth and staff to assist in the overall coordination of services and opportunities to ensure adherence to the organization’s mission and values of youth engagement, building community, reducing crime, increasing employment opportunities, and fostering social-emotional development within the population we serve.

Responsibilities:
The Youth Engagement Specialist works closely with staff to collectively serve young people and community partners and works to:

• Implement and manage a strategic outreach and engagement plan to identify proven high risk youth
• Coordinate referral and intake process for new clients
• Ensure adherence to data collection requirements (Apricot, CRM)
• Conduct needs assessments and create/implement ISPs (Individual Service Plans)
• Conduct daily youth check-ins and facilitate morning and afternoon circles.
• Provide supervision and support to participants in the community
• Conduct orientation, as well as initial and ongoing training for young people on various topics (i.e., legislative and systems advocacy, leadership development, effective partnerships with adults, life domain development, etc.)
• Provide ongoing support, guidance, and coaching to young people engaged in opportunities and programming, including life domain development, conflict resolution, emotional and moral support, and providing transportation as needed.
• Support youth accountability measures, including participation in restorative justice practices
• Connect young people with new opportunities provided by community partners around housing, education, employment, financial capability, health/mental health, social capital, and permanence that are responsive to their cultures and identities.
• Provide continual education about these opportunities to young people and provide support and coaching as they engage in them
• Provide ongoing input, information, and materials (as requested) that support internal and external communication efforts about opportunities and programming
• Support young people as they advocate to ensure that the unique needs of young people are a priority for the systems designed to support them and in the broader community
• Participate in the continuous quality improvement and data-driven decision-making process to assess efficacy of programming and drive programmatic refinements
• Provide ancillary support for other projects by coordinating with and supporting colleagues as needed or requested
• Attend staff meetings, professional development, and program activities
• Monitor security of building to ensure safety of staff and participants
• Other duties assigned

Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or related field preferred, plus two years of directly-related experience working with young people.
  • An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted, as long as it directly relates to the essential duties and responsibilities.
• A strong desire for supporting and empowering young people with these lived experiences.
• Understanding of gangs, urban culture and proven high-risk youth preferred.
• Strong desire and ability to communicate and work with youth ages 16-24
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic backgrounds
• Valid driver’s license and has own transportation
• Strong analytical writing skills and oral communication skills
• Ability to develop and conduct presentations and training sessions
• Ability to have authentic and courageous conversations with young people about their lived experiences, their goals, and their current choices
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to build authentic relations with young people
• Enthusiastic and positive attitude about changing systems and community perspectives
• Ability and willingness to flexible schedule including nights and weekends to accommodate programming and scheduled events for young people
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities at once
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and manage conflict
• Ability to think and plan strategically
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of Apricot or other CRM database systems
• Ability to apply evidence-based practice
• Familiarity and willingness to utilize social media

Position Details:

• 20 hours a week, part-time, full-year
  • Schedule subject to adjustment as needed, within timeframe window of 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
• Reports to SISU Program Director