Youth Support Partner (2 Positions) (Closes 8/31)

This position is with Community Family Advocates, working onsite at Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS).

About the role

The Youth Support Partner supports the implementation of Systems Integration and Improving Outcomes for Children and Families through family teaming. As a peer mentor, positive role model, advocate, and support, the Youth Support Partner assists youth and young adults in achieving their goals, making good choices, pursuing healthy life choices, handling adversity and peer pressure, connecting with resources, and having a voice in their own lives and future.

This role involves working independently and with teams to identify, advocate, and act as a liaison between youth and other professionals, as well as community natural supports. Additional assignments may include work with DHS Senior Management Staff and the Director as needed.

Responsibilities

• Serves as an advocate and peer mentor for youth currently receiving services through Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services.
• Actively participates in and completes the Family Development Credential, as well as other trainings and professional development opportunities, including High Fidelity Wraparound, if applicable.
• Advocates for youth and the Youth Support Partner role in various settings, including one-on-one interactions, small groups, meetings, and large conferences.
• Acts as a resource on youth transition by collecting information about the needs of young adults in any DHS system.
• Represents DHS in internal and external committees, meetings, task forces, presentations, and at community, county, and state events.
• Provides access to educational opportunities and resources within the DHS system.
• Works independently and with teams to assist youth in identifying and coordinating services, community resources, and natural supports.
• Coordinates youth involvement in opportunities such as conference attendance, including out-of-town travel.
• Coordinates youth involvement in evaluation projects.
• Assists with the creation of publications, listservs, websites, and/or social media to promote and support youth development activities.
• Educates youth on advocating for their needs, having a voice and choice in matters related to their lives.
• Creates partnerships with youth and professionals to help meet their needs.
• Educates youth on independence and recovery.
• Coordinates and helps facilitate support groups and/or social events.
• Provides outreach, recruits, and identifies youth for the program.
• Shares personal life experiences according to the Employee Self-Disclosure Guidance.
• Serves as a role model for youth and others.
• Completes all required paperwork (case notes, time sheets, expense reports, etc.) in a timely manner.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent, plus a minimum of 1-year combined work experience.
• Personal life experience in one or more of the child-serving human service systems, such as juvenile justice, behavioral/mental health, intellectual disability, child welfare, drug & alcohol, etc., and the ability to positively and appropriately self-disclose regarding that experience.
• Local and distant travel is required.
• Act 33, 34, and FBI clearances.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle to attend meetings and make home visits.

Skills

• Demonstrates sense of personal responsibility and accountability.
• Demonstrates ability to follow up and follow through on assignments and tasks.
• Demonstrates knowledge and success with personal life skills, such as budgeting, pursuing and maintaining education or jobs, and understanding basic life skills (hard and soft skills).
• Demonstrates leadership abilities through taking initiative on projects, during meetings, and in peer support opportunities.
• Demonstrates the ability to manage personal and work boundaries and seek support when needed.
• Demonstrates an ability to establish and accomplish goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds in a culturally competent manner.
• Outspoken, flexible, and self-disciplined.
• Ability to take constructive criticism with an open mind.
• Ability to set and manage one’s own schedule and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to adjust to changes.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to find creative solutions to problems/issues.
• Skilled at leading and inspiring by example.
• Skilled in public speaking.

About DHS

DHS is diverse but strives to be even more inclusive, with equity in hiring and advancement, as well as in unleashing the creativity and ideas of staff at every level. It has strong, assertive leaders and does not hire "yes-people." You can make a big impact here. DHS stands out as one of the best human services organizations in the country, but it needs problem-solvers, innovators, and terrific leaders to ensure smart use of funding to reach those who most need help.