Diversion Coordinator

Advocates; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates is seeking a Diversion Coordinator to work with youth involved with the court system within our Youth Diversion program. The role requires meeting with youth and families in person 4–5 days per week, with possible occasional remote work based on program needs.

Salary is $70,000–$80,000 with a Monday–Friday schedule. You will develop case plans, conduct assessments, and collaborate with partners to support positive growth and compliance with DYS contracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or related field; Master's preferred; Associate with 2+ years experience considered.
• Experience working with at-risk adolescents.
• Strong computer knowledge and electronic documentation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Outstanding reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
• Preference for candidates with cultural diversity competence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biopsychosocial and risk assessments through interviews with youth, families, victims, and referral sources.
• Develop a case plan and diversion agreement with each youth.
• Meet with youth at a pre-determined frequency.
• Develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with youth, families, service providers, and referral sources.
• Attend court hearings and other relevant meetings to support enrolled youth.
• Maintain documentation as required by Advocates and DYS.

Skills

Experience with at-risk youth

Computer literacy

Fast-paced teamwork

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Problem solving

Cultural competence

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree preferred

Associate degree with 2+ years experience

Job description

Overview

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000

Schedule: Monday through Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm

Advocates is seeking a Diversion Coordinator to join our Youth Diversion program! Youth in this program are referred through involvement with the court system. You will work with youth and their families to assess needs and strengths, and identify the underlying challenges that may have contributed to legal difficulties. You will partner with youth to develop and implement case plans to meet their needs and support positive growth.

This role requires in-person presence 4-5 days per week in order to meet with enrolled youth and their families. Occasional remote work may be possible depending on program needs. Meetings will be held in an Advocates office or in the community. Youth Diversion is contracted through the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS).

We offer a collaborative team environment, weekly individual supervision, group supervision, and ongoing training. You'll be joining a collaborative and energetic environment that incorporates a wide range of programs. Our multidisciplinary providers are invested in continuous learning and clinical excellence.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We'rea nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor's Degree

Shift

First Shift

Responsibilities

• Conduct biopsychosocial and risk assessments through interviews with youth, families, victims, and referral sources
• Develop a case plan and diversion agreement with each youth
• Meet with youth at a pre-determined frequency
• Develop and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with youth, families, service providers, and referral sources
• Attend court hearings and other relevant meetings as needed to support enrolled youth
• Maintain documentation as required by Advocates and DYS

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or related field. Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred. Associate's degree with 2+ years' direct experience providing services considered.
• Experience in working with at-risk adolescents
• Strong computer knowledge and ability to maintain electronic documentation
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Outstanding reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
• Strongly prefer that a candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.