Youth Engagement Specialist

National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

22 days off each year

11 paid holidays per year

Student loan repayment assistance

Tuition assistance

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

National Youth Advocate Program seeks a Youth Engagement Specialist in Chicago to collaborate with youth and families, providing advocacy and support toward targeted goals. The role runs Friday to Tuesday, 9a-5p, with a benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.

Responsibilities include developing youth treatment plans, identifying community resources, and documenting progress. Strong communication, reliability, and computer skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s Degree in social services preferred.
• Reliable telephone and basic computer skills.
• Ability to stay alert after hours with strong listening and speaking skills.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for youth and provide family-centered support.
• Collaborate with youth, family, and partners to develop service plans.
• Identify community resources not available through internal services.
• Assist in reunification efforts with families or permanent living arrangements.
• Review youth goals and progress with supervisor regularly.
• Complete required trainings and documentation promptly.
• Maintain ongoing client contact as required by program expectations.
• Engage youth to meet service needs and plan objectives.
• Build trusting relationships and support youth toward identified goals.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Skills

Active listening

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Travel readiness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s Degree in social services preferred

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL

Position Summary

The Youth Engagement Specialist works to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families being served by the National Youth Advocate Program by working closely with the youth and family to provide advocacy and support towards targeted goals.

Hours: Friday through Tuesday, 9a-5p

Working At NYAP

• Competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 22 days off each year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Tuition assistance
• Friday Summer hours
• Work anniversary trips
• Mileage reimbursement
• Peace Leave
• Paid Parental Leave

Benefits listed are for eligible employees as outlined by our benefit policy.

Responsibilities

• Perform all work in a manner consistent with the National Youth Advocate Program’s mission, values, and philosophies.
• Participate in the development of the youth treatment/service plans with the client, caregiver(s), referring agency, caseworker, significant family member(s), and natural support.
• Identify resources and services in the community that may not be available through the internal service continuum.
• Assist in family reunification efforts with the youths’ primary families or other permanent living arrangements consistent with the youth’s case plan.
• Regularly review the goals, progress, and activities of the assigned youth with the supervisor.
• Complete all relevant training on a timely basis as required by state, contract, and/or licensing agency standards.
• Complete all required documentation in a timely manner.
• Maintain client contact as required by program expectations.
• Actively and directly engage with the youth to meet service needs and goals/objectives of the treatment/service plan.
• Interact with the youth to develop a trusting, supportive relationship while assisting the youth in achieving identified goals.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• 21 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or equivalent GED. Associate’s Degree in social services preferred.
• Working, reliable telephone
• Must have the ability to be and stay alert after hours; have excellent listening and speaking skills.
• Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smart phones and tablets, printers, fax machines and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.

Other Skills

• 2 years’ experience working directly with youth and families is preferred
• Works well independently and as a team member
• Multi-task efficiently and be flexible in all situations
• Openness to traveling as needed.

Driving And Vehicle Requirements

• Valid driver’s license
• Reliable personal transportation
• Good driving record
• Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,00/$300,000 bodily injury liability

Who We Are

National Youth Advocate Program has been serving communities and clients since 1978 and we continue to grow each year. Our growth allows us to expand and develop new and innovative programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. We offer unique and personalized services for families and individuals in four areas: Prevention/Intervention, Positive Youth Development, Out-of-Home-Placement and Reunification/Permanency. We know you are compassionate and dedicated to serving your clients and communities and NYAP is dedicated to providing support to those who join our team! We look for individuals that are ready to make a direct impact and are excited to be an instrument in supporting the needs of our children, youth, and families. An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

Qualifications

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.