Youth Intervention Services (YIS)

 JOB TITLE | Youth Intervention Specialist (YIS)

REPORTS TO | Program Manager

PROGRAM | Youth Intervention Services

EMPLOYMENT STATUS | PART-TIME, Non-Exempt

LOCATION | Visalia, CA

SALARY RANGE | $18.00 - $21.00

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision and direction of the Program Manager, the YIS will work with youth and families who are identified through local and community partners that need supportive services. Services and activities provided include mentoring, group facilitation, individual counseling, case management, mediation, safety assessment, advocacy, resource brokering, home visits, job readiness and employment assistance, planning and participating in community events and community service activities, and developing partnerships with community resources. Individual and group sessions include but not limited to, living skills, healthy relationships, problem solving, cultural significance, coping with anger, and conflict resolution..

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Identify, assess and work with at-risk youth in assigned middle schools, high schools, and target communities.

• Engage youth and their families with relevant and culturally-sensitive resources.

• Develop a working relationship with identified school personnel, law enforcement, community-based organizations, and civic-minded individuals for the purpose of serving gang-impacted youth and families.

• Plan and conducts group and individual counseling sessions targeting the needs of the youth.

• Assess and develop case management plans collaboratively with supervisor, school staff, client, and parents/guardians.

• Provides case management to link clients to various resources and coordinate services with other providers.

• Provide crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and mediation to clients and families as needed.

• Coordinate, encourage participation in, and attend pro-social activities in schools and community with targeted youth and families.

• Facilitate or co-facilitate regular support groups.

• Maintains a caseload of clientele for case management and provide active and comprehensive case management services ensuring all area needs are attended to, including educational, mental health, substance use, criminal justice, social-emotional, physical, familial, financial, employment, etc.

• Works collaboratively with Champions staff, school personnel, and referring parties and service providers.

• Participates in staff meetings, to address client needs, program issues, and assist in the integration of services for clientele.

• Maintains program data entry and attendance tracking.

• Model positive decision-making skills and problem-solving behaviors.

• Participates in applicable meetings, trainings, conferences, etc. as required both internally and externally.

• Remains culturally humble and respectful in all client and staff interactions.

• Adheres to all client confidentiality requirements and standards, including updates of the shared Release of Information (ROI) to ensure that information is current and accurate.

• Comfortable performing various projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities.

• Ability to get along with diverse personalities, understanding, mature, and flexible.

• Possess strong judgment, problem-solving and reasoning abilities.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Ability to have a flexible work schedule that includes evenings and weekend work

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience: Minimum two years’ experience working with gang-impacted youth in school, juvenile justice, mental health, job readiness, or mentorship program. Must demonstrate knowledge of gang culture.

• Priority will be given to applicants with 1-2 years of work experience in a school or treatment setting with clients with substance use, mental health, and criminal justice system involvement. Note: Personal lived experience may contribute to these years of experience. Examples of work experience that may count include but are not limited to: working in schools, mentoring programs, working in juvenile detention facilities, working in other peer-to-peer recovery programs or other psychoeducational program.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

• Other: Criminal background and school clearance required.  Must maintain clearance throughout your employment.

• Must have valid California Class C Driver’s License; maintain a good safety record (verified by DMV at hire and periodically) and a reliable vehicle; proof of comprehensive auto insurance if driving personal vehicle. Must be able to drive their own vehicle for business purposes to other program locations in Kings and Tulare County.

• Must be drug tested prior to hire, with drug test results negative for illegal drug use and marijuana.

• Must pass background check (Live Scan Fingerprint - MANDATORY).

• Must have TB clearance within 60 days prior to hire (MANDATORY).

• First Aid and CPR certifications obtained within 30 days of employment and maintain current thereafter.

• Must be willing to comply with various COVID prevention policies required by school districts, including vaccinations, face covering, etc.

• Ability to understand and interpret information, follow instructions, and manage workflow.

• Basic knowledge and skills with computer keyboarding and computer programs. Advanced office management practices and operating procedures.

• Able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, apply professional judgement in solving difficult issues, and to communicate in a clear, precise, and professional manner. Strong Interpersonal skills: ability to work effectively with people in a constructive manner within a community-based treatment setting.

• Must have flexibility to work at least one night per week and weekend hours during scheduled client activities.

• Applicant must submit appropriate background check clearance and be able to pass and maintain school clearances to provide services on campuses.

• Bilingual (English and Spanish speaking) preferred.

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS/INTERACTIONS

• Interfaces with all levels of management, staff, clients, residents, and families including community partners.  Services involve travel to different communities and schools through the San Joaquin Valley for assessments, service provision, and crisis management.

PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to perform the essential job functions consistent safely and successfully with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.

• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone and telehealth platforms.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Services may involve travel to offsite locations for assessments, service provision, and crisis management.

• Must drive their own vehicle between office, schools, and target communities.  Champions will provide mileage reimbursement at the approved federal mileage rates.

ANTICIPATED HOURS

The Youth Intervention Specialist will participate in community collaboratives and events, which may occur at nights and on weekends or holidays. Specialist is required to attend all planned field trips. Work hours can vary and may require weekends, evenings, and holidays per program requirements. Specialist is anticipated to work at least one night per week until 8:00 PM and at least one Saturday or Sunday per month. Champions will modify the work schedule so Specialist will not need to work overtime; however, overtime may be required for events and activities organized by the program.