Youth Engagement Advocate

Title: Youth Engagement Advocate

Location: Sanctuary Place and scattered sites as assigned

Reports To: FET Manager

Supervises: N/A

Status: Full-time/Exempt

Salary: $48 838.09-$52000

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Direct Service Provision (70%)

• Conduct assessments with young people ages 13-24 to determine strengths barriers resources and pathways to educational and financial self-sufficiency.
• Develop and implement plans with young people and families to increase engagement in education academic achievement and social/emotional resilience.
• Collaborate with schools and community-based agencies to ensure that young peopleare preparedto forcollege and/or careers.
• Advocate for the rights of young people with special needs and connect them to appropriate supports.
• Refer young people and their families to resources for tutoring homework help college and/or career preparedness out-of-school time programs social/emotional development mental health services etc.
• Assist students in navigating the college application and financial aid application process.

• Conduct follow-upwith young people who are currently in college including those who are attending college outside of Chicago.
• For residents 16-24 who are not currently enrolled and do not have a high school diplomaassistswith re-enrolling in traditional or alternative high schools or with engaging in a high school equivalency program.
• Provide direct support including resume development mock interviews and job search assistance. Collaborate with or refer to EAA for further support.
• Using an employment navigation framework assist young people in connecting to workforce development programs and education including trade and apprenticeship programs; provides ongoing follow up to support retention.
• Provide life skill education to assist youngresidents in adjusting to employment and/or secondary education (for example providing financial education forresidentwith new earnings).
• Consult with Facing Forward staff including Case Managers and EAA on the education and career needs of youth and young adults.
• Conduct independent home visits; meets withclients in the office and in community locations.
• Identify and track high school seniors and assess:

• Graduation requirements for each student
• Students progress towards fulfilling graduation requirements (on/off track)

• Provide relevant resources for senior high school students who may be in jeopardy of not graduating on time (i.e. bus cards tutoring referralsservice learning projectresources etc.)
• Develop and execute post-graduation plan with high school seniors which may include:

• Completing Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application
• Supporting youth with exploring options such as enrolling in the military understanding college enrollment requirements setting up college tours etc.

Staff Development (10%)

• Provide training to Facing Forward staff onyouth centered topics.
• Act as a resource to other staff regarding the education needs of youth and young adults.
• Provide tasks supervisionto volunteers and interns as needed

Program Administration (20%)

• Assist program leadership in program development and evaluation data collection record keeping and reporting.
• Work with program leadership to develop outcome measures related to career and education attainmentof youth and young adults and monitor and analyze performance data to inform program planning.
• Documentsall client contacts and all services provided in progress notes.
• Maintains updated paper files in neat and legible condition.
• Completes all required paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Completes timely and accurate data entry into HMIS and any additional database as needed according to agency policy.
• Uses email and other technologies to communicate with staff and others and to efficiently complete work assignments.
• Protects the organizations value by keeping information confidential
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks participating in professional organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned; including but not limited to cleaning of office space and common areas sorting donations additional reporting and data entry responsibilities and facilitating special events.
• Attendance at staff meetings as required.
• Attendance at special eventsasdirected by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelors degree in Education Youth Development Social Work or related field from an accredited college or university
• Experience:Minimumtwo years of experience providing college- and career-preparedness services to homeless or low-income youth and their families

Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in use and knowledge of Microsoft Office and general office equipment; strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with students and families who have experienced trauma people with disabilities including mental illness and people who may be agitated or upset; ability to show empathy and remain nonjudgmental; ability to make independent judgments; and ability to manage multiple tasks training or certification in Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction; knowledgeable of PositiveYouth Development post-secondary education and Chicago-area workforce development resources

Certification/License: Valid drivers license and insurance

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed remotely and in a typical office environment

Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer are required

Occasional standing walking bending and lifting of light office items (up to 20 lbs) may be

required

Frequent use of standard office equipment including computers phones and printers

WORK SCHEDULE

This is a hybrid position with standard office hours of Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00

p.m.

The role requires a combination of on-site presence at organizational locations and remote

workdays

Regular in-office presence is required based on operational and departmental needs

Attendance at meetings trainings and organizational events may occasionally be required in the

evenings and weekends

Flexibility to adjust schedule based on operational needs office coverage or organizational

priorities may be required

Equal Opportunity Employer

Facing Forward to End Homelessness is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage

applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race

color religion sex pregnancy gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin ancestry

citizenship or work authorization status age disability marital or family status military or veteran status

or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal Illinois or Chicago law.

Reasonable accommodations are available during the application and hiring process. Applicants who

require an accommodation may contact

For benefits information please see the attached document.