Youth Empowerment Specialist

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:

1. Conduct and provide minimum of quarterly lists to RTC/ITP/FC programs for youth that need assessments.
2. Develop individualized life skills goals and objectives, based upon the assessment and within the framework of the child’s Treatment Plan and service plan. 
3. Provide life skills training for identified clients utilizing individual and group formats.
4. 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.
5. Attend Treatment Team, service plan reviews and committee on Special Education meetings as requested by Primary Therapist or Case Planner.
6. Attend Staff meetings to address life skill concerns for youth in all levels as needed.
7. Coordinate volunteer work study experience for participate as referred by the Primary Therapist/Case Planner and approved by Treatment Team.
8. Maintain and improve training skills and knowledge through the following:
   1. Participation in supervision and peer review processes.
   2. Participation in pertinent agency In-service programs.
   3. Attendance at professional training workshops outside the agency.
9. Active participation in program and agency-wide quality assessment and improvement activities in accordance with the agency’s on-going Quality Improvement Program.
10. Participate in agency-wide committee’s/focus groups to ensure program improvement.
11. Coordinate and facilitate Resident Council meetings and activities. (Residential only)
12. Complete Connections Progress Notes on all group/individual life skills training completed.
13. Participate with YIP (Youth in Progress) and the Annual Youth Event Speak-Out.
14. Participate with Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) through the Oneida County Workforce Development Office.
15. Coordinate efforts with Tilton School Work Study Coordinator and Home & Careers teacher in the Career Café. (Residential only).
16. Be familiar with Vocational & Educational services for individuals with disabilities (VESID) referral process.
17. Be familiar with Job Corps referral process; Working Solutions.
18. 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.
19. Be familiar with Social Security / Disability Referral Process.
20. Maintain the Independent Living Budget including stipend pay for youth completing volunteer and other work on campus.
21. Complete transition plans for eligible youth.
22. Work with youth in completing and signing Bill of Rights.
23. Complete Prudent Parent Training.
24. For youth 17 and over in After Care provide case planning. (Foster Care only)
25. Other associated tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Education and Experience Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Education, Social Work or related field.
2. Minimum of one year experience in providing educational instruction or educational involvement with emotionally disturbed youth or adults, residential experience a plus.