The Choice Program at UMBC provides mentoring and advocacy services to young people–primarily Black and Latinx– throughout central Maryland. We utilize a community-based, family-centered approach to promote quality outcomes for young people and families. We engage in a collaborative process of service: where young people set goals for themselves and are held accountable by supportive adults along the way. Our approach to youth development is grounded in applied critical race theory and culturally responsive, trauma-informed, restorative practices. We strive to be an anti-racist organization grounded in several core values: holistic development, the belief in humans, and youth-centeredness.
OVERVIEW
The Choice Program is excited to offer this entry level 3-6 month contractual position in human services. Youth advocates provide holistic services to meet the needs of 15 youth and their families in The Choice Program throughout central Maryland. These services include, in person mentoring, goal planning and barrier mitigation. Youth advocates are directly accountable to and work with service coordinators in a pre-assigned geographic location. Advocates will work in conjunction with service coordinators and other part time staff to ensure quality services are provided to program participants. Youth advocates maintain a flexible schedule with a minimum of 10 hours per week.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serves as a positive role model for program youth.
- Support caseloads of 15 youth in a designated catchment area.
- Services are in person and based in the young person’s home, community, Choice office or Choice social enterprise location.
- Provide periodic assessments of youth and family situations via bi-weekly service planning sessions.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with parent/guardian/families.
- Connect youth and families to needed external resources.
- Schedule and facilitate initial youth welcome meetings and assessment interviews.
- Develop a goals centered service plan with young people and support them with goal attainment.
- Document all interactions with youth and family members in electronic case management system; write reports detailing engagement efforts and provide funders with weekly updates.
- Notify supervisory staff immediately in the event of a youth crisis; suspected illegal activity; or any other incident involving youth, AmeriCorps members, or staff.
- Adherence to program policies and procedures and to all Choice confidentiality policies.
- Maintain program equipment (e.g. Choice assigned cell phone, computer).
- Evening and weekend work required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma required. Associates Degree or 2 years of college/48 credits preferred
- 1 year of relevant case management experience required.
- Experience working with justice involved individuals.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Understanding of trauma informed care, restorative practices and positive youth development
- Driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle required (Mileage will be reimbursed when using your own vehicle).
- Commitment to fulfill contract period.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member.
- Possess good oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to project a positive attitude and use a strength-based approach.
- Must have access to computer and internet
COMPENSATION
$30/HOUR
10-20 hours per week.
Reimbursement for youth activities up to $30 per occurrence
AVAILABILITY REQUIRED
Must have afternoon, evenings and weekend availability (as late as 8:30pm)
1 weekend per month (Friday-Sun) with some availability between 12 pm -8:30pm