Community Youth Advisor (City Service Worker)

Community Youth Advisor

Under general supervision of the Police Department, a Community Youth Advisor performs community service activities, emphasizing peer counseling and information exchange with youth at risk for delinquency. The City of Pasadena's Police Department is seeking Community Youth Advisors to mentor youth who participate in the Pasadena Activities League (PAL) Program. The PAL program offers a positive atmosphere for elementary, middle, and high school students in the Pasadena area and is designed to provide youth in the community with a safe after-school and summer program. Community Youth Advisors serve as positive role models by fostering healthy relationships and communicating positive ideals and values that inspire and support the academic goals and special interests of local youth. Community Youth Advisors receive basic orientation in the purpose, functions, and responsibilities of the Pasadena Police Department and the Community Services operation, and receive on-the-job training and exposure to career opportunities with the City.

The ideal candidate must be 18 to 28 years of age at the time of appointment, currently enrolled in a recognized college as a part-time or full-time student enrolled in a minimum of 6 or more units, and demonstrate good character, alertness, and emotional stability. Work Schedule Community Youth Advisors must be available to work Mondays from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Tuesday through Friday from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm. During the summer, the PAL program hosts a full day program that starts in July and ends in August. Work hours during the summer are from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. Community Youth Advisors must be available to work these hours.

Essential Functions

• Receives basic orientation in the purpose, functions and responsibilities of the City of Pasadena Police and Community Services operations.
• Receives on-the-job training and exposure to career opportunities with the City.
• Serves as a positive role model and communicates positive ideals and values to the young people of Pasadena.
• Supervises youth while at the Police Activities League (PAL) Center after-school program and attends PAL events.
• Counsels school-age youth on the importance of education and good citizenship, including drug prevention.
• Drives a vehicle to various locations in the City and transports youth to planned activities.
• Assists youth in cultivating positive alternatives to anti-social and criminal lifestyles.
• Responds to citizen inquiries.
• Exerts positive leadership in parks, schools and public gatherings.
• Assists Police and Community Services personnel in assigned projects.
• Participates in meetings with community groups.
• Prepares written reports.
• Makes referrals to community and governmental service agencies.
• Remains alert to potential conflicts, problems and concerns with the youth at the PAL Center and takes appropriate preventive action.

Qualification Guidelines

The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Adaptability - Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Professional Integrity & Ethics - Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Oral Communication - Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Professional Impact - Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Safety Focus - Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance. Example combinations include: must be 18 to 28 years of age at the time of appointment, currently enrolled in a recognized college as a part time or full time student enrolled in a minimum of 6 or more units, and demonstrate good character, alertness and emotional stability. Knowledge of the problems, issues and concerns of the young adult population in the Pasadena area. Ability to listen and communicate effectively with individuals of various ethnic, social and economic backgrounds; gain the confidence and respect of peers; positively influence others; establish cooperative working relationships; demonstrate and act on concern for the welfare of others and the community; demonstrate enthusiasm and initiative; follow oral and written instructions.

Special Requirements

Must have access to reliable transportation. Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Community Youth Advisor assignments are not to exceed six years. If a Community Youth Advisor has not exceeded the six year limit, he/she may continue in the program until their 28th birthday. If the Community Youth Advisor, prior to reaching their 28th birthday, fails to maintain a 2.0 minimum grade point average, discontinues education, or drops below the required minimum number of units, the Community Youth Advisor will be released from employment.