Lead Youth Advisor- Violence Reduction Program (VRP)

Location: Milwaukee
Department: MPS
Full-time position

About the Role

This position supports the Site Supervisor with supervision and coaching of other Youth Advisors at the assigned MPS school. The Lead Youth Advisor provides professional 1:1 and group mentoring to youth in school, community, and afterschool settings. Assists youth in developing strategies to positively connect with school and their community. Communicates directly with parents/guardians, school staff, and other youth to surround the student/mentee with positive options to violence.

The position works closely with the Site Supervisor and Program Director on requirements related to MPS VRP as detailed in the Statement of Work, including data management and reporting, personnel, relationships with MPS leadership and the Safety Director, required goals, and performance metrics. The School-Based mentor works closely with a student caseload of approximately 20-25 students at their assigned MPS School and ensures availability for youth 7 days a week.

Responsibilities

• Assist with supervision of the program Youth Advisors at the assigned MPS school.
• Support Site Supervisor with daily coaching and development of Youth Advisors at the assigned MPS school.
• Assist the Site Supervisor and Co-Program Director with compliance with school-based programming and schedules in accordance with the contract and Scope of Services with MPS, including daily, weekend, and afterschool activities.
• Support the Site Supervisor in monitoring employee work schedules and report all personnel concerns to the Site Supervisor and Co-Program Director.
• Contribute, when requested, to the overall program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Support the Site Supervisor with weekly updates to the Co-Program Director and Director of Milwaukee Youth Services.
• Support the Site Supervisor to ensure compliance with all required documentation by Youth Advisors in a timely and accurate manner to report on goals and outcomes required by MPS.
• Support the Site Supervisor to ensure all Youth Advisors connect with youth outside of the school setting, connecting them to community resources and visiting them at their residence.
• Support the Site Supervisor to ensure all Youth Advisors are available 7 days per week per MPS requirements.
• Complete all training requirements within required timelines of WCS and MPS utilizing the LMS (MI, TIC, Ethics and Boundaries, Mentoring, Cultural Humility, etc.).
• Ensure positive youth and parent engagement.
• Engage youth in educational and positive youth development programming.
• Facilitate mediations.
• Build and maintain relationships with school personnel (administration, school safety, social workers, guidance counselors, teachers, etc.) and community partners.
• Report all program concerns including personnel matters to the Co-Program Director.
• Work with Site Supervisor and Program Directors to coordinate summer activities for VFZ participants.
• Provide general recreation support throughout the school year, following the MPS school calendar and required schedule at the MPS school to serve youth.
• Professionally engage in all agency, school, and community meetings.
• Attend agency events and functions, including Town Halls.
• Ensure compliance with the agency (AWARDS) and MPS data systems.
• Provide safe, reliable transportation for youth, according to Wisconsin traffic laws and WCS policies and procedures.
• Engage in regular team meetings with the Supervisor and Co-Program Director.
• Ensure all data is timely, entered, and accurate for tracking and reporting on the program goals, benchmarks, and annual MPS Performance Metrics to ensure renewal of the contract each year.
• Work with the Site Supervisor and Co-Directors of MPS VRP to uphold and promote a positive and supportive culture for youth served and program staff and leaders.
• Maintain confidentiality for youth served within all written and verbal communications.
• Review, sign, and adhere to WCS Policies and Procedures in Power DMS.
• Other job-related duties as assigned by the Site Supervisor and Co-Directors of MPS VRP.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Three to five years minimum of experience with justice-involved youth, reporting, quality assurance, and strong customer service skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to ongoing growth and personal development.
• Detail and team-oriented.
• Strong computer skills including typing and ability to use Microsoft programs, databases, etc.
• Advanced organization skills.
• Ability to display cultural competence by responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements.
• Meet all employee requirements including references, criminal and caregiver background check, drug test, and driver’s record check.

Skills

• Exceptional customer service and person-centered skills.
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and database applications.
• Ability to multitask, organize, and assist others to implement procedures and practices.
• Sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, and disability issues.

Work Environment

Work is performed at the assigned school, in the community, and in the residence of the youth when required. Must be comfortable interacting with youth and their families, MPS leadership and staff, WCS leaders and staff, and administrative departments for program support (HR, IT, Finance, PQI). Must follow expectations of MPS and WCS specific to hours and availability.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands

• May require sitting at a desk and/or computer for two or more hours at a time.
• Requires significant computer work.
• Driving is required, performing work at multiple locations.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about the WCS mission and a role model for accountability and a culture of excellence by virtue of high-quality program standards and compliance.
• A collaborative team player.
• Follows agency Code of Conduct and WCS Core Values and Leadership Code of Conduct.
• Adheres to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources.
• Conducts self in an ethical manner.
• Maintains professional and respectful relationships with all youth and families involved with the program, MPS staff and leadership, WCS staff, and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision.
• Shows sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic, and disability needs.