Youth Engagement Coordinator

Job Summary

This position provides services to youth involved in the Youth Justice Unit and their families as requisitioned by case managers to help facilitate meeting the provisions of the established case plans, maintain contact with other professionals and community resources, advocacy and follow-up to clients, document social work activities and progress in implementing case plans and recommend amendments to case plans as needed. Community, youth and family engagement skills are necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Document all case work activities to ensure compliance with county, state and federal requirements.
• Utilize effective oral and written communication skills.
• Utilize advanced knowledge to:
  • Review established case management plans and related court order with clients to ensure their understanding of the contents of the plans and/or orders.
  • Work with youth, parents, caretakers and other responsible parties to achieve the goals of the case plans
  • Exercise judgment to intervene as an advocate for clients in emergency and crisis situations.
• Conduct home visits as per program standards.
• Establish working relationship with youth to enable them to achieve the goals of the case plan and to comply with the requirements of the court orders.
• Provide youth and families with information about community resources and assist with accessing resources.
• Identify the changing needs of clients and recommend the appropriate amendment to the case plan.
• Maintain working relationship with case managers, other professionals both within and outside the agency and with other community resources.
• Report youth’s progress to Racine County Human Services Department and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and obey all traffic laws. Must have reliable transportation on a daily basis, a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.
• Safely transport clients as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Human Services, Criminal Justice or a related field preferred.
• One (1) year of experience working with youth, preferably those impacted by the juvenile justice system preferred.
• Have and maintain a valid drivers license.
• Must pass the Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Ability to sit, stand and drive throughout the day.
• Ability to tolerate environmental conditions such as air conditioning, dust, or odors.
• Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in establishing work schedule.
• Must establish and maintain productive and professional relationships with clients, colleagues, the school district, and other community agencies.
• Must maintain client confidentiality.
• Ability to prioritize and make appropriate decisions.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage time.
• Must have prompt and regular attendance.
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with and understand the needs of a widely diverse client population including but not limited to people experiencing problems with: abuse/neglect, AODA, mental illness, varied disabilities, parenting skills, self-esteem, problem solving skills, living arrangements, interpersonal relationships, economics and money management, self care skills/limitations, mobility, education/training/employment.
• Ability to follow directions and implement recommendations.
• Possess creativity in identifying problems and solutions.
• Ability to self-motivate and remain on task.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including telephone, fax, copy machine, shredder and computers with various software programs.