Youth Specialist

Company Description

Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities.  The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through comprehensive case management and integrated social service programs.  The Center enjoys broad-based community support as well as a sponsored relationship with its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.  St. Joseph Center serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually.

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, and education services are carried out at four sites on the Westside of Los Angeles.  St. Joseph Center’s integrated programs provide clients with concentrated and coordinated access to services according to the nature of their needs.

Job Description

Job Summary

The Youth Specialist works as a team member with several social service professional and paraprofessional staff ensuring the delivery of quality care as well as adhering to the mission of St. Joseph Center. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Youth Specialist’s key areas of responsibility include: 

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Provide positive recreational activities to assist vulnerable youth to re-engage in the educational system, attain economic viability and achieve personal resiliency. 

Essential Duties:

• Provide targeted outreach, engagement and education activities to Santa Monica youth that meet the criteria as “Opportunity Youth” services in order to increase education, economic viability, and personal resilience.     
• Help prospective youth and their families access needed to community resources and supports.
• Assist in establishing eligibility for services as defined by agency and funding sources. 
• Perform routine youth/group activities while working with other program staff providing services to clients.
• Collaborate with partner agencies to ensure integrated services. 
• Participate in regular Santa Monica Youth Resource Team and Middle School Support Team meetings as well as agency and/or funders.
• In conjunction with other staff, coordinate activities, recruit participants, arrange event logistics and provide staff support. 
• Bolstering clients adaptive social support frameworks.
• Organizes and participates in recreational activities, such as arts/crafts, games, gym events, outdoor activities, and other activities.
• Coordinates Spring Break and Summer Break activities and field trips for youth to participate in.
• Apply a "whatever it takes" approach to advocate for youth and families and ensure they are connected to the services they need for success and well-being.
• Document all phone calls/email correspondence pertaining to the youth/ families into individual exym files. (will they have do exym?)

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty and responsibility.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to speak fluent Spanish and English language is preferred. 
• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter. 
• Must have the ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including clients, community, and other staff. 
• Must have excellent organizational skills and the capability to work in a fast-paced environment.  

Experience:

• Experience and/or a strong interest in immigration issues and/or family systems. 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, human services or a related field. 

Direct Reports:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. 

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to use widely supported internet browsers.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
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