POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Program Advocate

DEPARTMENT: Youth Services

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Senior Program Manager

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Vice President, Youth & Family Services

ROLE:

Under the direction of the Vice President of Youth & Family Services, the position is primarily responsible for providing mentoring, case management, one-on-one intervention, group programming, recreation and SEL training to youth aged 11-24.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

Intake and enroll candidates in Project Ready (STEM; Career Development; College Readiness; SEL; Trades) program.
Maintain a minimum caseload of 40 youth participants.
Actively facilitate the Case Management Process. This includes completing all necessary client intake documents, complete programmatic assessments (three times a year); develop and revise service plans every 90 days with each participant assigned, programming in schools, home visits, phone calls, field trips.
Facilitate group sessions, including, but not limited to: Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Groups, Violence Prevention Groups, Trades, Career Readiness, College Readiness, Academic Support/Tutoring Groups, and STEM as it is outlined in the program curriculum.
Conduct one-on-one mentoring to participants in an effort to assist them in achieving goals outlined in the Service Plan
Use knowledge of community resources to help participants achieved the goals outlined in their Service Plans.
Maintain case notes, participant files and ensure that all reporting function is adhered to as it is outlined by the funder and program for every client interaction.
Work collaboratively with community partners and other CUL Departments/Staff in linking clients with needed services.
Performs other duties/special projects as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires the individual to have an understanding of the characteristics, problems, needs and interests of at risk youth; good knowledge of community resources and facilities available to youth; a solid understanding of youth programming; a high level of integrity, ability to establish trust and maintain support with youth; ability to plan, organize, implement, coordinate and evaluate a client issues and any program needs of youth; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with health professionals and community organizations or agencies; ability to make accurate and objective observations; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to work independently; ability to use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software; one must possess initiative; tact and courtesy; physical condition commensurate with the duties of the position. This individual must understand, maintain, and uphold the mission and vision of the Chicago Urban League.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and motor vehicle insurance to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Illinois. Must pass a criminal background check.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree required
Master’s in related field strongly preferred
5+ years of child welfare experience
Strong computer skills are required especially with case management data systems
Must be professional, mature and willing to be a role model