Youth Empowerment Specialist Job Details Job Location Champlin Ave - Utica, NY Position Type Full Time Salary Range $25.47 - $25.47 Hourly Travel Percentage None Job Shift Day Description Basic Function/Overall Responsibilities: Coordination and provision of life skills through a comprehensive educational program specifically designed to address the needs of adolescents at The House of the Good Shepherd who have a goal of Alternative Permanent Living Arrangement Plus a positive resource (APLA Plus)/ Adoption or who are deemed in need of life skills. Principal Assigned Responsibilities: + Conduct and provide minimum of quarterly lists to RTC/ITP/FC programs for youth that need assessments. + Develop individualized life skills goals and objectives, based upon the assessment and within the framework of the child’s Treatment Plan and service plan. + Provide life skills training for identified clients utilizing individual and group formats. + Assist in the implementation of a discharge/aftercare program for all youth that accurately reflects issues defined in the discharge criteria relating to life skills and promotes successful outcomes. + Attend Treatment Team, service plan reviews and committee on Special Education meetings as requested by Primary Therapist or Case Planner. + Attend Staff meetings to address life skill concerns for youth in all levels as needed. + Coordinate volunteer work study experience for participate as referred by the Primary Therapist/Case Planner and approved by Treatment Team. + Maintain and improve training skills and knowledge through the following: + Participation in supervision and peer review processes. + Participation in pertinent agency In-service programs. + Attendance at professional training workshops outside the agency. + Active participation in program and agency-wide quality assessment and improvement activities in accordance with the agency’s on-going Quality Improvement Program. + Participate in agency-wide committee’s/focus groups to ensure program improvement. + Coordinate and facilitate Resident Council meetings and activities. (Residential only) + Complete Connections Progress Notes on all group/individual life skills training completed. + Participate with YIP (Youth in Progress) and the Annual Youth Event Speak-Out. + Participate with Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) through the Oneida County Workforce Development Office. + Coordinate efforts with Tilton School Work Study Coordinator and Home & Careers teacher in the Career Café. (Residential only). + Be familiar with Vocational & Educational services for individuals with disabilities (VESID) referral process. + Be familiar with Job Corps referral process; Working Solutions. + Provide support to staff regarding gathering of youth’s birth certificate, social security card, non- driver ID for all Another Planned Living Arrangement/Adoption youth ages 16 and over. + Be familiar with Social Security / Disability Referral Process. + Maintain the Independent Living Budget including stipend pay for youth completing volunteer and other work on campus. + Complete transition plans for eligible youth. + Work with youth in completing and signing Bill of Rights. + Complete Prudent Parent Training. + For youth 17 and over in After Care provide case planning. (Foster Care only) + Other associated tasks as assigned by supervisor. Qualifications Education and Experience Requirements: + Bachelor's Degree in Education, Social Work or related field. + Minimum of one year experience in providing educational instruction or educational involvement with emotionally disturbed youth or adults, residential experience a plus.