Youth Connect Center Youth Navigator - Springfield, United States - FosterAdopt Connect

Description

Job Description

YOUTH NAVIGATOR

Job Category: YouthConnect Center

Job Status: Full-time, exempt

Reports to: YouthConnect Center Program Director

Job Summary:

The YouthConnect Center (YCC) is a drop-in center for school-aged youth 13-18 years old. The YCC aims to eliminate any obstacles that youth face accessing different community resources by partnering with other service providers in the community and offering a safe space for them to meet with youths and their families. The YCC aims to provide quality and meaningful opportunities for youth that will give them a sense of pride and accomplishment while honoring their families and caregivers while providing for their basic needs (groceries, laundry, clothing, meals, hygiene, etc.). The Youth Navigator provides one-on-one case management services, crisis intervention and trauma-informed approach to the youth to help resolve circumstances that may put them at-risk of housing instability.

Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Complete client narratives, develop actions plans, crisis intervention or assessments, and any other documentation in a timely manner and within stated guidelines
• Functionally apply trauma informed care, harm reduction, and positive youth development skills to clients and families served.
• Obtain necessary releases and consents, as needed
• Provide crisis intervention and daily care items to clients
• Meet as needed with clients to track progress towards goal completion and maintain regular communication and contact with clients.
• Actively participate in street outreach and community events
• Follow requirements and policies of agency, contracts, state regulations and COA standards
• Assist youth in utilizing existing community resources and support systems, including educational, health, and mental health systems.
• Collaborate with youth to explore additional resources available (i.e., basic needs items, shelter, housing, educational and/or vocational resources, etc.)
• Attend and participate in all scheduled meetings and trainings
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of client contact and progress in SAM. Documentation should occur within two (2) days of contact
• Assist in collecting information from youth, caregiver(s) and other professionals to expand client's support system and family connections
• Participate as an active team member with all agency departments so the agency's efforts to assist clients and maintain licensing/contract/COA standards are coordinated for maximum effectiveness
• Maintain strong, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions
• Model and engage youth in relationship-building activities
• Ensure YCC space remains safe, comfortable and clean for the youth and stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in social work or in related human services field (preferred)
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies
• Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for youth experiencing or at-risk of housing insecurity and their families
• Prior experience with youth in foster care or other at-risk youth populations is preferred
• The ability to collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using excellent interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams
• Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly
• Demonstrated leadership ability and interpersonal skills. Must have ability to quickly establish rapport and build trust
• Ability to be flexible and multi-task
• Work as a necessary part of a team effort with colleagues of all demographics
• Model ethical and professional behavior at all times
• Participate in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the YCC Director
• Experience working with marginalized communities with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppressions
• Flexibility and adaptability, able to shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations
• Ability to be flexible in work hours

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical and dental insurance with 80% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents
• Vision insurance with 100% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer contribution
• Life insurance and long-term disability provided at no cost to employee
• Voluntary life and short-term disability options available
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match
• Flexible Spending Account with medical expense and dependent care options
• Employee Assistance Program, with 8 annual visits 100% covered
• Generous paid time off and holidays

FosterAdopt Connect does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its programs or services. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and members.