Empowering Youth, Transforming Futures: Be the Change as an Outreach Specialist!

The Outreach Specialist plays a key role working directly with youth impacted by violence. The target age for programming and services is youth ages 13-18. The Outreach Specialist will act as a mentor and provide case management for youth in the program. This also includes accountability for assessing the needs of youth and families and ensuring the proper referrals for advocacy, school enrollment, counseling, substance abuse services, employment, job training, etc. The Outreach Specialist also manages all documentation and reporting as related to the services provide to the referred youth to meet program requirements. This role also participates in community development activities as need to support program activities.

Salary range for this position starts at $22.00 per hour with full-time benefits and opportunities to grow within the organization.

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:     We offer salaries that reflect your skills, experience, and the value you bring to our team.  Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible employees, along with access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.  Generous paid time off (PTO), including paid holidays. We also offer flexible work hours to help you balance your personal and professional life.  403(b) plan with company contributions after 2 years of service to help you plan for your future.  Opportunities for continuous learning through workshops and training programs.  A supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected.  Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

Scope of Responsibilities

Identify and recruit youth with a trauma history to participate in programming; practice relentless outreach to ensure continued participation Establish positive and constructive relationships and serve as a positive role model. This includes frequent contact with youth through home visits, relationship building activities and programming at program sites 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 community hubs and other neighborhood facilities 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 a “youth-driven” service and goal plans Prepare and submit weekly and monthly reports according to supervisor and program/contract guidelines Enter program information into appropriate data tracking system (CitySpan 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 Provide transportation for youth to program activities using YMCA vehicles while adhering to YMCA policies and guidelines Support the mission and vision of the YMCA and Teen Programming as assigned.

Minimum and Preferred Requirements:

Must be minimum of five years older than youth served through the program. 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. Passion and commitment to the YMCA’s mission and vision for Teen Programming Strong community engagement skills with deep awareness of communities' 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 take action 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 program activities Valid driver’s license with clear driving record and the ability to meet necessary requirements to drive a YMCA vehicle Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice Bilingual in English and Spanish highly preferred Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor Completing all child abuse prevention training as required