Empower Youth Senior Youth Coordinator

Annual Salary: $55,000

Position Summary

The Senior Youth Coordinator will have significant responsibility for the implementation of the Empower Youth reentry program and will work closely with clients enrolled in the program. The Senior Youth Coordinator will provide wrap-around services to support youth who experience barriers because of a criminal history. This includes administering risk and needs assessments, assisting clients with job training and job search, legal advocacy, housing assistance, navigating community supervision, accessing public benefits, education, and other case management needs. The Senior Youth Coordinator will also work closely with the entire Empower Youth team to serve as an advocate for staff, provide case conferencing all to team members with a case load and manage all aspects of in-detention programming.

Essential Functions

• Senior Youth Coordinators have the vision and passion to support the development, implementation, and growth of all aspects of Empower Youth.

• Provide the following services for youth of the Reentry Program:

• Carry a case load of no more than 15 youth.

  o Provide direct services to youth through regular case management meetings.

  o Assess youth’s needs, situations, personal strengths and support networks to determine their goals. Develop plans to increase youth’s well-being, productivity and stability.

  o Help youth navigate the challenges that come with having a criminal background: possible homelessness, unemployment, employment, education and housing discrimination, domestic abuse, recovery, family issues, probation issues, and legal difficulties.

  o Research and refer youth to community resources, such as occupational training, public benefits, healthcare, mental health services, support groups, education etc.

  o Follow up with youth to ensure that their situations have improved.

• Ensure data quality, accuracy of client files and records, complete paperwork and comprehensive outcomes tracking in the areas of housing, case management, goal setting and client progress, program intake and exit, meetings, support groups, referrals and other related activities and client interactions.

• Provide weekly case conferencing to all youth coordinators to assist with clients who are facing extreme challenges or are considered high risk.

• Facilitate and lead all referrals into the program

• Complete all necessary discharge paperwork when a youth completes the program.

• Co-facilitate monthly “Staffing Meeting” (focused on Empower Youth clients), weekly one-on-one with supervisor, and actively participates in “Program Development Meeting” and all-staff meetings.

• Provide support to other direct service staff and/or programs based on expertise or background.

• Ensure safety and security of Empower Youth clients, staff and volunteers. Ensure that all red flag incidents or concerns related to Empower Youth clients are reported to the appropriate authority as well as the Director of Community Programs immediately and that the incident or concern is properly documented.

• Ensure that all youth are treated fairly and with respect and that Empower Youth maintains an environment that is inclusive and safe for all people.

• Build partnerships with and serve as liaison to other community programs, employers, collaborative groups, and government agencies relevant to justice involved youth.

• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of a B.A. degree. Master’s degree preferred
• At least two years’ experience working in a program or organization serving reentry clients.
• Interest in the social justice, legal advocacy, prisoner reentry, and/or Fair Chance Hiring.
• Experience with individuals and groups related to case management, therapy, or counseling.
• Leadership and management experience highly recommended.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; the ideal candidate will be a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to planning.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle to use in performance of job. Position requires some travel within the City of Buffalo.
• Must be able to pass criminal background and child and adult maltreatment screens and a preemployment drug screen.

Physical Requirements

• Work time may be evenly split between office settings or outside meetings.Limited local travel is required.Light physical effort in an office environment
• Frequent computer use
• Primarily sedentary work with occasional bending and reaching
• Maintain a high energy level, comfortable performing multi-faceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities
• Regularly required to speak clearly and hear the spoken word as well

• Regularly required to read and write clearly

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