Community Youth Worker

BLACK - Building Leadership And Community Knowledge; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

BLACK - Building Leadership And Community Knowledge in Chicago seeks a Youth Worker to support children and young people through goal setting, planning and program activities aimed at overcoming barriers and building a brighter future.

You will engage with youth in a team-based setting, provide services for those with complex or at-risk needs, and help develop essential skills while modeling positive behavior and fostering a safe, growth-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or youth, preferably in community services.
• Training in trauma, child protection, or crisis intervention will be considered.
• Senior First Aid certificate or willingness to obtain.
• Driver's license required.
• Residency in Chicagoland preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support children and youth through goal setting, planning and programmatic activities.
• Engage with young people in a team setting with management and stakeholders.
• Provide services to those with complex or at-risk needs and facilitate skill development.
• Model positive behavior and create a learning, growth and change oriented environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues across cultures and adapt to diverse needs.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Effective communication

Cultural sensitivity

Creativity & initiative

Flexibility

Education

Certificate III in Community Services or equivalent

Degree in social/behavioral sciences or psychology

Job description

The role of youth worker primarily rests on assisting children and young people through the use of goals, plans and programmatic approaches, to overcome difficulties and progress towards a successful future. This includes youth workers engaging with children and young people, within a team of youth

workers, with management and the larger stakeholder group that supports the child or young person.

Provide support services to children and young people many who are considered to have complex or

at-risk needs. Due to this the children and young people placed in our service can exhibit challenging behaviors. Facilitation and assistance to children and young people developing skills and achieving goals.

Supporting and advocating for children and young people to progress and move towards success. Support of children and young people in various activities or appointments that are important to their development and growth. Engaging children and young people in activities that are of both a social and learning opportunity to advance their skills. Effective and appropriate role modeling. Creating an environment that facilitates learning, growth and change.

Well developed interpersonal and written skills. Ability to work as an efficient member of a team. Ability to communicate effectively with children and young people of all cultural backgrounds and to support them in cultural needs. Flexibility, initiative and creativity in working with children and young people. Training and short courses relating to trauma, child protection and crisis intervention will be taken into consideration. Senior First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain). Driver’s License. In the absence of formal qualifications, significant experience held will be considered.

Certificate III in Community Services or equivalent. Degree in social and behavioral sciences, psychology or related fields is highly desirable. The applicant's level of knowledge, skills, qualifications and experiences will be taken into consideration collectively in determining the applicant's capacity to deliver services as per the position description and upholding the quality service provision of the organization.

The ideal candidate for this role will live/work in Chicagoland.