Academic Specialist/Mentor IYIP

Description

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES 

· Provides mentorship and advocacy services to youth ages 16 and 24 with a consistent caseload of 75 youth.

· Assists with recruiting and retaining 75 youth.  

· Works with each youth to develop an Individualized Case Plan to address areas for improvement such as housing, academics, social emotional learning, counseling referrals, life skills, etc. 

· Works with Job Developer to support employment opportunities, site visits, and retention efforts.

· Ensures files remain up-to-date and in compliance.

· Completes employability skills checklist, conduct all Illinois Worknet modules, & ensure pre/post assessment.

· Assist in-school youth to improve educational outcomes.

· Re-engage out-of-school youth in educational activity.

· Collects, reviews, and analyzes all transcripts for youth to determine GED or High School Diploma track.

· Utilizes Labor Market Data and information to help guide youth in career and education goals.

· Works to assist youth to determine what factors put them at risk of engaging in or becoming victims of aggressive behavior and other anxieties.

· Helps to determine what methods each youth should use in order to avoid risk-taking factors and reach their goals.

· Works in collaboration within the targeted communities to cultivate relationships with local community resources.

· Reaches out and re-engage youth that have inconsistent attendance, work with families to bring resources to the home, and connect with programs.

· Conducts Home visits.

· Transporting students in vehicle to and from program related activities may be required.

· Implements other services requested by SGA or funder.

· Enters daily attendance, case notes into Illinois worknet.

· Coordinates with the Job Developer to provide ongoing program support and implementation.

· Conducts required reports and data material to SGA such as the Employability/Life Assessment.

· Design and deliver workforce development programs and training sessions

· Assess the skills and needs of individuals and organizations

· Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, employers, and educational institutions

· Provide support and guidance to program participants as they pursue their career goals

· Conduct research on best practices in workforce development

· Track and report on program outcomes and participant satisfaction

· Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance knowledge and skills

· Maintain participant files, bus card logs, timesheets, and all required IDHS documentation

· Other duties as assigned.

Attributes/Skills Required/Sought:

· Experience working one on one with youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

· Ability to display sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences present in the service population.

Experience/Education Required/Sought:

· Bachelor’s Degree in social work, criminal justice or related field, preferred

· Experience working with teens and young adults, preferred

· Experience working in neighborhoods on Chicago’s south and west sides.

· Experience working with individuals dealing with factors that put them at-risk of becoming victims of aggressive behavior.

· Evening and weekend availability required.