Teen Youth Worker

Overview

The Teen Youth Worker role involves working directly with youth impacted by violence as part of Teen Programming’s outreach and programming efforts. The target age for programming and services is youth ages 14-24. The Teen Youth Worker will act as a mentor and provide case management for youth in the program, assess the needs of youth and families, and ensure proper referrals for advocacy, school enrollment, counseling, substance abuse services, employment, job training, etc.

This role manages all documentation and reporting related to the services provided to referred youth to meet program requirements and participates in community development activities as needed to support program activities.

Pay is $24.03 per hour with opportunities to grow within the organization

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

• Identify and recruit youth with a trauma history to participate in Teen Programming; practice relentless outreach to ensure continued participation
• Establish positive and constructive relationships and serve as a positive role model to high-risk youth. This includes frequent contact with youth through home visits, relationship building activities and programming at Teen Programming sites
• Provide case management and mentoring services (i.e. observation, home visits, case notes, case reviewing, and dialogue with school, adults/ youth) for a large caseload guided by “youth-driven” services and goal plans
• Act as a general advocate for individual youth as it pertains the legal system and related subsidiaries
• Facilitate peace circles
• Facilitate curriculum-guided group sessions including supporting youth efforts to create and implement community-based projects
• Provide structured recreational activities utilizing facilities such as the YMCA membership centers and other neighborhood facilities
• Prepare and submit weekly and monthly reports according to supervisor and program/contract guidelines
• Enter program information into an appropriate data tracking system (City Span or other appropriate systems)
• Strengthen and increase knowledge and ability to utilize trauma informed practices and approaches to support youth in group and individual settings
• Provides transportation for youth to program activities using YMCA vehicles while adhering to YMCA policies and guidelines
• Collaborate with Hub staff to ensure policies are procedures are followed as well as maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for all participants
• Participate in team meetings, training and professional development opportunities
• Support the mission and vision of the YMCA and Teen Programming as assigned.

• Ability to handle a significant caseload providing appropriate programming, resources, services and interventions to meet the needs of participants
• Understands impact of trauma on youth and trauma-informed practices and programming
• Must be minimum five years older than youth served through the program
• Passion and commitment to the YMCA’s mission and vision for Teen Programming
• Strong community engagement skills with deep awareness of community dynamics and resources
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt communication to multiple audiences
• Self-motivated with the demonstrated ability to set meaningful goals and act
• Demonstrated critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills
• Ability to travel locally within the Chicago area to multiple locations for home visits and programming…