Youth Facilitator

Position Summary:

The Philadelphia System of Care (PSOC) Youth Facilitator is a part-time staff position (up to 19hrs’week) that is part of a larger team responsible for expanding Philadelphia’s system of care for youth with serious behavioral health needs and their families. Under the leadership of the PSOC Youth Coordinator and with support from the PSOC Youth Community Coach, the Youth Facilitator will be responsible for building and maintaining the outreach. engagement, and facilitation of the PSOC Community of Care councils in two (2) assigned regional areas of Philadelphia. This part-time position is grant-funded and contingent upon continued availability of federal funds.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build relationships with youth and the community for outreach/ awareness of the purpose and functions of PSOC Community of Care councils.
• Develop and maintain public relations to increase the awareness of behavioral health and wellness services and activities in the neighborhood.
• Identify and activate the local community’s unique and inherent assets (“gifts”) to address community-endorsed needs and promote wellness.
• Co-facilitate two (2) monthly Community of Care councils to review goals, progress and other activities based on the community council’s priorities.
• Empower the community by facilitating a broad range of activities, workshops, or connection-building opportunities based on the council’s priorities and budget.
• Work with the PSOC Staff to implement Community of Care council strategies and connect to PSOC programs (e.g., Family Member Committee. Youth Move Philly).
• Network with community organizations to build and strengthen local community partnerships.
• Connect with youth, family, system partners and community members as a representative of PSOC.
• Maintain and submit council minutes and documentation.
• Support the additional Community of Care councils as available.
• Attend weekly Community Facilitator team meetings and 1:ls with PSOC staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills Required:

• Knowledge of children’s behavioral health system (preferably in Philadelphia).
• Knowledge of other child-serving systems and their roles and responsibilities (preferably in Philadelphia).
• Knowledge of system of care principles and purpose.
• Ability to foster collaboration and build consensus.
• Ability to work as pan of a team.
• Good group facilitation skills.
• Ability to mentor and support others in achieving their goals.
• Ability to advocate for change in a strengths-based and effective manner (e.g. with institutions, provider organizations, governmental agencies and authorities).
• Ability to work well with diverse groups of individuals and organizations, including family members and youth and those from culturally diverse or under-resourced communities.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently.
• Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Education and Experience:

Experience as a youth or young adult with behavioral health needs and/or with involvement in child welfare or juvenile justice required. High School Diploma/GED required. Bachelor’s Degree in the Human Services or related field preferred. At least one (1) year of experience providing support to or advocating for youth or young adults with behavioral health or other special needs. At least two (2) years of experience that demonstrates the required skills and knowledge outlined in the section above. Experience with systems of care philosophy and model strongly preferred.

Physical Demands:

Ability to sit for at least one hour at a time and to use a computer. Able to lift up to 20 lbs. when handling supplies, etc.

Essential Functions:

Ability to travel to mandatory meetings and job-related events. Must be willing to work non traditional hours (evenings and/or weekends) as needed.

Other Job Requirements:

Local travel within Philadelphia County. Reliable access to transportation required. Driver’s license preferred. Must possess a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driver’s record when operating a company vehicle during work hours for work-related activities. Permission to operate a vehicle as pan of your job duties and responsibilities is contingent upon your insurability as a driver consistent with PMHCC policy. Act 33/34 clearances.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

PMHCC is committed to equal opportunity. It is our policy to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

Employees as well as applicants who are currently, or become disabled must be able to perform the functions of the job with either reasonable accommodation or unaided. PMHCC will examine reasonable accommodations on a case by case basis with accordance to the law.