Youth Empowerment Specialist – PT

La Casa Norte•Chicago, IL

4d•$17 - $18

About The Position

Casa Corazón Emergency Beds Program is aimed at transforming the lives of homeless and at-risk youth, ages 18-24, by providing them with the stability, support, and guidance they need to become thriving members of society. The program is open 365 days a year, 24 hours per day and provides immediate housing and other enriching activities to impact the lives of youth and help them achieve their life goals. Program participants will receive street outreach and access to a variety of services including a drop-in center with youth programming and meals, basic needs such as transportation and toiletries, and case management services focusing on a holistic, strength-based approach, with a focus on housing stability and educational, job readiness and placement. This is a part-time position, working Sunday (9:00 am - 6:00 pm) with occasional days, nights and weekdays. In addition to the responsibilities listed above, all La Casa Norte employees are responsible for contributing to the overall success of La Casa Norte by: Attending bi-weekly staff meetings, monthly staff meetings and other staff training as assigned. Participating in La Casa Norte’s fundraising events. Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferable, but not required with relevant experience
Ability to interact with youth to alleviate social, emotional or environmental crisis
Skilled in the techniques of de-escalating aggressive behavior
Demonstrate desire and ability to work with homeless, runaway and at-risk urban youth
Be knowledgeable in the social, economic, and cultural patterns of Latino and African American populations
Be willing to work in a diverse environment in regard to race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation and gender
Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
Be willing to work flexible hours as needed including nights and/or weekends
Have the desire, creativity, and flexibility to work in a new and fast-growing agency
Must be bilingual (English, Spanish)

Responsibilities

To supervise and monitor resident activities to maintain a safe and stable living environment.
Maintain professional relationships with all residents.
Supervise and ensure the safety of the milieu.
Communicate in a timely and accurate fashion within the program (i.e. client intakes, incident reports, contact with youths’ families, facility inventories, and all shift log entries) and complete all required documentation.
Support and implement the policies and philosophies of the program and of La Casa Norte including but not limited to Harm Reduction and Sanctuary Model frameworks.
Utilize de-escalation and crisis intervention skills when needed in a supportive and caring manner.
Working in a team approach to assist residents in achieving service plan goals.
Conduct intake needs assessment, create an initial action place and refer residents to appropriate services.
Engage youth in discussions relevant to goals, strengths and barriers to stability.
Coordinate with other staff including Drop-in Case Manager to ensure continuity of services
To help youth develop important life skills.
Model effective and respectful communication with residents and other staff members while creating a standard of healthy communication for other staff and residents.
Create and foster leadership opportunities for youth to encourage their personal development and the overall health of the community of Low Threshold Shelter Program.
Take advantage of teachable moments to help youth develop skills in decision making, conflict resolution, time management, etc.
Provide and coordinate life skills workshops to youth focused on personal hygiene, sexuality, financial literacy, household management, conflict resolution, anger management, and other areas as needed.
Implement established structure of support and accountability within the program to allow youth to fully develop in all areas of their life.
To implement standards of cleanliness and maintenance by performing duties and requesting repairs.
Leading residents in the upkeep of the Low Threshold Program and working with residents to ensure that necessary tasks are completed.
Cleaning and sanitizing areas as needed to ensure standards of cleanliness and sanitation are always kept up.