Service Specialist LYNC

The Youth Counselor; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Generous paid time off

Tuition assistance and loan forgiveness programs

Employer matched retirement savings

Job summary

The Youth Counselor is seeking a Service Specialist in Hartford, Connecticut, to connect youth with community resources, facilitate life skills groups, and collaborate with various organizations.

The ideal candidate holds an Associate's Degree or equivalent experience in human services or criminal justice, possesses strong communication skills, and is culturally competent, preferably bilingual. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid state-issued Driver License.
• Experience working with the juvenile justice system is preferable.
• Ability to handle flexible work hours and perform physical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with community organizations and provide resource information.
• Facilitate cognitive-behavioral and Life Skills groups for youth.
• Assist Family Advocate in identifying available resources.

Skills

Cultural competency

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Associate's Degree in relevant field or High School Diploma with 3 years experience

Tools

Word processing applications

Spreadsheet applications

Job description

The Village was one of the first agencies in the country to providehomes for neglected children. Today, we continue to achieve ourmission “to build a community of strong, healthy families who protectand nurture children” by providing a full range of behavioral health,early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment andsupport services for children, adults and families in the GreaterHartford, Connecticut region.

Named a Connecticut Top Workplace for six consecutive years withnational distinction for workplace culture and diversity, equity andinclusion practices, you can be sure you’re joining an organizationthat’s just as committed to your success as we are to those we serve.

Job Summary

The Service Specialist has two primary roles within LYNC, ResourceSpecialist and Intervention Specialist. As such, the ServiceSpecialist spends time in the catchment area communities connecting tocommunity resources and building and maintaining relationships withcommunity providers. The Service Specialist also facilitatescognitive-behavioral groups and Life Skills group to LYNC youth. Theywork closely with the LYNC Family Advocate in identifying resourcesavailable to youth and families in a particular town. The ServiceSpecialist is knowledgeable about both community services and how afamily can access them.

Service Specialists may also be asked to provide educational andvocational supports including individual tutoring, life skills andemployment groups; assist youth with career exploration, job seeking,etc.; work closely with local Boards of Education to support youth’sacademic success, credit recovery and reduce truancy. Also connectyouth to education and/or vocational programs that will help themachieve their goals. Develop relationships with targeted communityorganizations to support youth educational and vocational needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and maintain up-to-date information on community resources.
• Develop and sustain relationships with identified MOU agencies.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with a variety of communityorganizations, groups and entities (e.g., grassroots agencies,pro-social connections, mental or medical health services, etc.)
• Implement educational and vocational services to youth according to individual Risk Reduction and Sustainability Plans (RRSP), whichmay include: educational screening, homework, assistance, tutoring,credit recovery, GED assistance, connection to ESL services, posthigh school preparation or exploration, vocational soft skills (useof EMLPOY Curriculum), job placement, connecting to trainingopportunities and apprenticeships, and other similar services.
• Maintain a collaborative relationship with community providers.
• Maintain an accurate resource catalog on each town in thecatchment area.
• Demonstrate ability to be creative, innovative and resourceful.
• Assist Family Advocate in identifying available resources for LYNCyouth and families.
• Attend all required trainings and meetings as needed to meet the requirements of the position.
• Facilitate cognitive-behavioral groups according to each model.
• Participate in all quality assurance activities, including recording groups and submitting tapes to QA Coach.
• Engage in strength-based, culturally competent, trauma-informedand gender responsive interactions with youth and families.
• Uphold all program expectations.
• Promote a safe, welcoming environment with a focus on riskreduction and positive behavior change.
• Accept and perform all new assignments as determined by supervisor.
• Immediately notify supervisor of any situation in which a youthmay be at risk (i.e. physical abuse, sexual abuse, chronic neglect,un-safe home, etc.) and/or other sentinel event.
• Complete all required program and agency web and paper-based documentation.
• Serve as a resource to Juvenile Probation Officers who are seekingcommunity resources in a specific community.
• Maintain confidentiality of clients at all times.
• Assist with transportation as needed.

Experience and Skills

Education

• Minimum of Associate’s Degree in criminal justice, communityorganizing, human services sociology, OR High School Diploma with atleast three (3) years’ experience and knowledge working withjuvenile justice system and/or working in communities.

Experience

• Must be culturally competent; bicultural, bilingual(English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
• Must have current valid state issued Driver License. Must have own vehicle.
• Must have automotive liability insurance per agency standards.
• Organized and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be team player.
• Flexible and able to multi-task.
• Cultural competency to serve diverse populations.
• Knowledge of greater Hartford and New Britain area community resources.
• Must be a team player and able to work in a variety ofenvironments including schools, agencies, etc.
• Experience with facilitating groups to youth.
• Excellent oral and written skills and ability to engage familiesfrom diverse social and ethnic backgrounds.
• Demonstrate ability to be creative, innovative and resourceful.
• Proficient with word processing and spreadsheet applications.Possess solid general computer skills, including ability to work ina Windows XP environment. Familiarity with specific applicationsused by the Village a plus.
• May require weekend and evening hours.
• Physically able to perform the essential functions of theposition, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Our benefits package supports your whole life with comprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off, and employer matched retirement savings. We also invest in your growth through tuition assistance (Loan Forgiveness Program – NHSC, tuition reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment).