VCN Youth Advocate

About the role

The VCN Youth Advocate will be part of an innovative team of service providers and educational experts that will work collectively to create/run an innovative program for young people in South Los Angeles that face the greatest barriers to finding employment.

Responsibilities

• Contact, receive and review referrals to the VCN YouthSource Center from local schools, community-based organizations, and government agencies, including walk-ins.
• Work 1-2 Saturdays per month as needed.
• Participate and coordinate outreach activities that include making presentations to non-profit organizations, government agencies, probation/parole staff and agencies, schools, and conduct door to door outreach in targeted neighborhood of South Los Angeles.
• Conduct program orientation and intake assessments for incoming youth that will be on the Youth Advocate caseload.
• Recruit and enroll 60 youth for youth caseload annually (July 1 – June 30).
• Facilitate weekly and monthly readiness assessments for youth interested in receiving WIOA services.
• Conduct individual needs assessments that captures barriers to basic needs such as housing and food; education level and school enrollment; current income, employment, and past work experience; eligibility for Independent Living Program services through the foster care system; gang affiliation; and involvement with the justice system.
• Develop an Individual Service Plan, that identifies barriers to employment and action steps and creating goals to become self-sufficient to address those barriers.
• Place youth in part-time entry-level work with on-the-job training as part of CRCD’s training component. Ensure all youth complete 120 hours of work experience through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
• Identify and secure 2-4 worksite partnerships for youth entering the Youth Advocate caseload.
• Accurately enter participant data into the JobsLA system and the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) system.
• Assist youth with enrollment in Los Angeles Trade Technical College.
• Support youth in attaining a high school diploma or general equivalency degree.
• Observe youth in classroom setting and provide resolutions to classroom disruptions.
• Participate in quarterly and annual professional development.
• Aid youth in placement into jobs or internships that are allowed with their personal and professional goals.
• Oversee and coach interns, and other staff responsible for providing direct support to youth in the program.
• Facilitate and coordinate life skills workshops and educational activities for youth on your caseload.
• Enter case notes, performance completion, and case management interventions in the participant case file and JobsLA.
• Cook up and coordinate service learning and civic engagement events for participants on your caseload.
• Must have a great personality and willingness to work with youth that display challenges of working with authority.

Requirements

• Associates degree in Human Services preferred and three to four years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current California driver license with a clean driving record.
• Experience verifying WIOA eligibility and delivering WIOA services.
• Understanding and experience of implementing the 14 WIOA program elements.
• Experience entering data into the JobsLA system.
• Experience in registering or enrolling youth into community college.
• Fluent in case management facilitation.
• Experience in facilitating group workshops.
• Understanding and knowledge of education disparities in the Vernon-Central community.
• Proficient in reading and writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with foster youth.
• Experience working with the African American and Latino community.
• Knowledge of Los Angeles community resources and social service providers.
• Knowledge and understanding of community development and non-profit sector.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc).
• Trained in delivering case management services (Training certificate is a plus).

Benefits

CRCD is in the top 10% for excellent benefits for non-profits with an array of benefits available including:

• 14 Paid Holidays
• On-Demand training memberships to bolster professional development
• Dental/Vision/ 85% employer-paid & 40% dependent paid Medical Insurance
• 401k eligibility from day one & up to 3% matching after one year
• 529 Educational Savings Plan from Principle
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Accident & Hospital Indemnity
• Whole life insurance with cash benefits
• Identity Theft Protection and Legal Services
• Discount pet insurance through ASPCA
• Generous work/life balance

Pay

$50,000.00 - $55,000.00 annually