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