Group & Community Engagement Specialist

Group & Community Engagement Specialist

The Group & Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for delivering structured group sessions to youth in school and community settings, maintaining a caseload of participants, and supporting overall engagement through individual sessions, program-hosted activities, and family events. This role also facilitates group intakes, manages participant documentation, and collaborates closely with community partners. Additional responsibilities include providing backup crisis response support, participating in peer session observations, attending community events, and collecting youth satisfaction feedback to inform service quality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Include the following and other duties may be assigned as needed:

1. Maintain an active caseload generally ranging from 15 to 20 participants, with adjustments made based on program needs and as directed by the Program Supervisor
2. Organize and conduct group sessions in schools or community settings
3. Facilitate group intakes and manage participant documentation
4. Plan and execute program-hosted activities and family engagement events
5. Collaboration with Community Partners
6. Provide backup crisis response support as needed
7. Peer Session Observation
8. Coordinate and attend community partner events
9. Youth Satisfaction surveys for group services

Training Requirements:

1. Complete all Core Curriculum training(s) required for the position.
2. Comply with IDHS program standards and requirements for CCBYS
3. Comply with the State of Illinois mandated reporting law.
4. Complete all required Federal, Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Agency Core Curriculum and Mandated Reporter training, meetings and workshops as required.
5. Complete all other duties as assigned.

Trauma Informed Care

Ensure that all employees are using a trauma informed approach to all their work duties that include the "5 S's". This approach sets a high priority for staff and clients:

• Safety (physical and emotional safety)
• Self-regulation (ability to manage one's own emotions so they do not interfere with the helping process)
• Supportiveness (building relationships with clients that are respectful and caring)
• Strengths (seeking to identify positive traits of all clients)
• Self-care (resolve any secondary stress reactions)

7 Essential Ingredients (7ei)

• Prevalence
• Impact
• Perspective Shift
• Regulation
• Relationship
• Reason to Be
• Caregiver Capacity

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS/BSW) required. Previous experience with at-risk youth preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive Pay $24.04
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Disability & Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days, and Holidays
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discounts on services like cell phones, restaurants, and more

Other Qualifications

Must be available to work evenings and weekend and flexible in scheduling. Will be required to transport clients in own vehicle. Must be able to accept and incorporate constructive feedback.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Illinois driver's license with a clear driving record. Documentation verifying current automobile insurance.