Youth Advocate ( Youth Engagement Specialist)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

JOINT INITIATIVES FOR YOUTH + FAMILIES (JI) – An Equal Opportunity Employer

Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families (JI) is a nonprofit organization established in 1989 specifically for the purpose of bringing together agencies that serve children and youth to drive collective impact and ensure higher impact services for young people ages 0-21 and their families in El Paso and Teller Counties.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Youth Advocate supports Joint Initiatives’ Pathways project by delivering evidence-based, trauma-informed programming that fosters positive youth development, reduces risk factors, and strengthens protective factors for primarily middle and high school youth exposed to violence wherever JI serves youth. Examples of Pathways services include after-school programs, in-school connections with youth, shelter, gardening, and more.

RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES

• Collaborates with the JI team and third-party partners to support after-school and summer activities intended to reduce risk behaviors and build positive skills.
• Supports and facilitates the implementation of programming, student engagement, and enrichment classes that connect youth to future pathways.
• Supports delivery of trauma-informed, pro-social skill-building activities that improve interpersonal relationships and academic engagement through connection circles.
• Supports parent and family programming within JI.
• Facilitates youth leadership and peer mentoring opportunities by engaging students in program design, feedback, and outreach, while integrating youth-led initiatives within school-based programming.
• Recruits, trains, and supports youth mentors and leaders to strengthen peer networks, elevate youth voice, and promote positive role modeling and community engagement.
• Coordinates career exploration and preparation activities, including monthly Career Days, career fairs, and short-term enrichment classes.
• Conducts youth assessments to move them toward services best suited to meet their needs.
• Documents outcomes that support grant deliverables, including peer engagement, youth satisfaction, and skill development.
• Tracks youth hours, stipend payments, and transportation support as needed.
• Maintains accurate records and ensures timely reporting of activities and outcomes.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT + ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engages in productive and respectful communications with JI leadership?and colleagues.
• Serves as a positive ambassador of JI to external parties.
• Displays a positive attitude, works well with others, and accepts direction well.?
• Works well under stressful and emotionally taxing circumstances and engages in effective self-care.?
• This role is five days per week and may need to work evenings and weekends on occasion.
• Works in locations wherever JI serves children or youth (or its equivalent)—remote working not guaranteed
• Assumes other tasks and duties as assigned. These tasks and duties may support other programs and departments from time-to-time and the broader JI mission.
• Works effectively with those?representing?a variety of needs and abilities, with varying socioeconomic, cultural, and racial backgrounds.?
• Treats youth and families with respect, dignity, and empathy.?
• Reviews work for accuracy, clarity, timeliness, and conformance with procedures and processes.?
• Commits to JI’s organizational mission, vision, and operating philosophies in compliance with instructions, policies, and guidance.?
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all proprietary and sensitive information concerning JI, its programs, funders, staff, partners, and operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS + ABILITIES

• Strong ability to build rapport with middle and high school youth, especially those from diverse racial/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience facilitating youth groups, trainings, enrichment activities, or peer-to-peer learning circles.
• Knowledge of Positive Youth Development and trauma-informed practices.
• Experience with justice-involved or at-risk youth is highly desirable.
• Flexible, creative, and collaborative approach to youth engagement.
• Possesses strong leadership skills and an ability to build relationships and connect people with one another for a common goal.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Manages conflict constructively and applies problem-solving skills to develop solutions for unanticipated issues and challenges.
• Background checks, drug testing, education and previous employment verification required.

EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in youth development, social work, education, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum two years’ experience working with youth in leadership, mentoring, after-school programming, or program coordination roles.

SALARY RANGE

$44,000-$46,000 annually, with an additional 15.35% stipend allowance to provide for health insurance and savings plans.

COMPUTER SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft software (e.g., Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint). Knowledge of internet tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Safari, Google Chrome) is desirable. Proficient in a Windows and web-based technology environment.

CERTIFICATES + LICENSES

Current, valid Colorado driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel is primarily within the Pikes Peak Region, with occasional travel to surrounding areas in Colorado. For positions that do not have a dedicated JI office, work will be conducted at home, in JI’s open office space, and/or within the community. A laptop computer and cell phone will be provided for every employee regardless of office space designation. This role requires on-site work five days per week and may require work evenings and weekends on occasion

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.