Youth Engagement Specialist

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Position Title: Youth Engagement Specialist (Part-time)

Reports to: Program Director

Department:

Administration DOPP Behavior Health HBDS IPS PEP

Foster Care TIPS AERC

FLSA Status: Exempt

Fee-For-Service

Non-exempt

Location:

5217 Overbrook Ave.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Aftercare Evening Reporting Center (AERC) Youth Engagement Specialist is as an integral member of the AERC team. He/she will provide monitoring and supervision to youth in the AERC program. The AERC program is designed for youth between the ages of 16 and 20 returning from juvenile facilities/institutions and or youth who have had multiple and or habitual contact with the juvenile justice system. The Youth Engagement Specialist will facilitate and/or co-facilitate daily recreational and educational activities such as life skills, sports, games, musical activities, or art events and accompany the youth on outings and special events. They will also oversee youth in community service projects and encourage and ensure youth participation. The Youth Engagement Specialist will assist the Van Driver with transportation by dropping off youth on the agency van once programming is finished. He/she will interact with youth, their families, and other professionals involved in the youths' life maintaining close contact and developing a positive rapport during programming. The AERC operates from Monday through Friday and alternative Saturdays; hours will be scheduled according to the needs of the program.

EDUCATION/CREDENTIALS/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors in one (1) of the following disciplines: Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Education, Criminal Justice, or other Human Service field is preferred and will substitute for 1 year of experience.
• An annual physical form verifying that the employee is "free from contagion".
• Act 160 PA criminal, Child abuse and FBI Clearances.
• Possess valid driver's license with clean driving record.

SKILLS:

• The ability and willingness to adjust hours in accord with job responsibility.
• Ability to provide empathy and understanding to youth with complex needs.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and communicate with coworkers, administration, youth, vendors, and others in a courteous and professional manner.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Possess self-control and emotional regulation skills in a stressful environment, and when assisting youth in crisis.
• Ability to follow directions, procedures, and policies as required by Juvenile Justice Center.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information in accordance with local, state and federal law.
• Ability to present a professional appearance and manner in adherence with department and agency dress code policy

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitates educational, life-skills, recreational, cultural and social activities that may benefit youth.
• Transport youth to and from program and appointments as necessary.
• Establish and maintain detailed, confidential records for each youth, evaluate behavior while in program and make related updates to the team.
• Conduct daily count of youth at the beginning and commencement of programming. Notify Director and/or Supervisor when youth have not arrived or have departed early from the program without required approval.
• Conduct security procedures, including wanding youth prior to entering the building, in accordance with agency policy, to maintain a safe environment for staff and youth.
• Assist with daily meals for youth attending program.
• Provide a safe and holistic environment for at-risk youth to develop themselves and their confidence, through daily engagement and support.
• Develop and facilitate activities that include the Pennsylvania's Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) model.
• Participate and oversee field trips and community service projects.
• Assist youth in acquiring vital documents.
• Meet the required number of training hours which include a minimum of 20 training hours on an annual basis.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The ability and willingness to adjust work hours in accord with youth and Phila. School district schedule.
• The ability and willingness to work with a wide range of ages, cultural views, and experiences.
• The ability to walk, drive, see, bend, stand, and verbally communicate.
• Must be flexible, as there will be times when there will be a need to work on Saturdays and during the day for special trips, youth appointments and interviews.
• Employees may be required to de-escalate youth behaviors using approved techniques.
• There may be potential exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Contributing to the team

• Participates in meetings to ensure priorities are clear, coordination is good and communications are open.
• Cooperates and communicates as a multi-discipline team member through formal meetings, informal discussion and other participation as necessary.
• Models traits of a responsible team member, executing job responsibilities, open communication, good follow through; supports team members to do the same.
• Responds promptly to the concerns and interests of the clients, parents, guardians, funding entities and other JJC staff.
• Maintains current knowledge and list of community resources and services available to assist and support youth and their families.

Administrative activities

Ensures compliance with all JJC's policies and procedures, including confidentiality and reporting suspected abuse in accordance with CPSL, 23 Pa.C.S. § § 6301-6385, and JJC policies and procedures.