Youth Engagement Specialist

National Youth Advocate Program; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

22 days off per year

11 paid holidays per year

Student loan repayment assistance

Tuition assistance

Friday Summer hours

Mileage reimbursement

Paid Parental Leave

Peace Leave

Job summary

National Youth Advocate Program seeks a Youth Engagement Specialist in Chicago to advocate for youth and families, coordinating services and support aligned with individual goals.

You will collaborate with caregivers, agencies, and caseworkers to develop and review treatment plans, identify community resources, and document progress. Requires after-hours readiness and strong communication within a compassionate, team-based environment.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or higher preferred in social services or related field.
• Strong communication and listening skills are essential.
• Ability to work with youth and families in a supportive manner.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate advocacy and support for youth to achieve targeted goals.
• Develop youth treatment/service plans with clients and families.
• Identify community resources not available within internal services.
• Assist in family reunification efforts per the youth's plan.
• Review goals and progress with supervision regularly.
• Complete required training and documentation promptly.

Skills

Listening skills

Speaking skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Associate's degree in social services

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Database software

Job description

Youth Engagement Specialist

Job Location: Chicago, IL 60642

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: Associates Degree

Salary Range: $22.50 - $22.50 Hourly

Job Shift: First

Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services

Hours: Friday through Tuesday, 9a-5p

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.

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.