Youth Advocate Community Improvement and Job Training (CIJT)

Youth Advocate
Community Improvement and Job Training (CIJT)

Position Summary: This position is a Youth Advocate for the Community Improvement & Job Training (CIJT) Program providing guidance and case management services to adolescents and young adults 16 – 23. The primary focus of the youth advocate is on the personal, social, cultural, and educational development of CIJT participants.

Essential Functions:

• Evaluate and asses the needs of youth ages 16-23 as they relate to the potential for and actual gang involvement.
• Utilize evidence-based practices when providing direct services to the target population
• Develop innovative and engaging techniques to recruit and retain participants
• Provide one-on-one mentoring and career counseling to case load of 25-40 participants
• Facilitate workshops and plan activities that encompass the program’s core outcomes; AODA education, Life Skills, Gang Prevention, and Employment Readiness.
• Develop and implement individual career and personal development plans.
• Maintain participant records and ensure the confidentiality of all participant information.
• Maintain a compilation of, and utilize, community resources.
• Support the entry of information into assigned database, as required by funding source and Project Coordinator.
• Assist in orientation, training, oversight, and coordination of all CIJT programming
• Complete intake process and weekly progress notes, according to program requirements
• Attend all team and other relevant meetings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Working knowledge of child/youth development; gang behavior and gang culture and effective programs and practices to reduce or eliminate gang involvement, patience and understanding of difficult life situations; the ability to interact with escalating youth and young adults in a professional manner; ability to follow oral and written instructions ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations proficient with Microsoft Work and basic computer functions uses time efficiently and effectively; ability to multi-task; sensitivity towards cultural, ethnic and disability issues.

Should have some knowledge in TABE Testing, community resources, and recruiting skills.

Minimal Qualifications and Salary Schedule: Must have previous experience working with adolescent and adult gangs, at-risk youth, adolescents, and/or their families. Emphasis is on working with teams. BA/BS in Social Work, criminal justice, or social service-related field preferred, or equivalent experience. Must have insured automobile and valid driver’s license. No convictions or license revocations that would fail a caregiver background check. Individuals must be able to interact at a comfortable level with at-risk youth and their families and with juveniles referred to the program.

Personal Attributes: Follow agency Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources; ethically conduct self; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, participants, and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in the 53212 neighborhood and surrounding areas. Hours are 10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily with some flexibility and weekends, as needed.

Physical Demands: Ability to sit for long periods, stand, reach, bend, climb stairs, and lift to 30 pounds.