Senior Youth Advocate

Youth Development Department

Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) is seeking a visionary and dynamic individual to join the Youth Development team as a Youth Advocate.  This innovative full-time position is based in Los Angeles, CA.  Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the CRCD website (http://coalitionrcd.org/index.html) to gain insight into the agency’s mission.

Mission of CRCD

To better sustain, coordinate and improve local planning, development and community services that address the needs of low-income residents and small businesses in South Los Angeles.

Founded in 2005, the Coalition for Responsible Community Development has a unique focus on young people in Vernon-Central (age 16-25), and collaborates with residents, businesses, community-based organizations, civic leaders and Los Angeles Trade Technical College to improve the quality of life in our community.

Position Overview

The Senior 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.  The Senior Youth Advocate will provide one-on-one supportive services to at-risk and transition-age youth who are preparing to join the workforce.    The Senior Youth Advocate will assess basic needs, identify barriers to employment, develop an Individual Service Plan to address those barriers, and coordinate services to help youth prepare for and secure living wage jobs with a career path upon graduation of the Workforce program. This position will also act as an intermediary supervisor of youth advocates in the absence of a program manager. Supporting the program manager with program structure and framework implementation. The coordination of case conferences will also be the responsibility of the Senior Youth Advocate.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Contact, receive and review referrals to Workforce Program from local schools,
  community-based organizations, and government agencies, including walk-ins
• 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 the targeted neighborhood
• Conduct program orientation and intake assessments
• Conduct individual needs assessments with regard 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 identifying barriers to employment and action steps
  to address those barriers
• Place youth in part-time entry-level work with on-the-job training as part of CRCD’s training component
• Assist youth to enroll in Los Angeles Trade Technical College to complete a high school diploma, general equivalency degree, and/or college level courses required
• Assist with placement in construction apprenticeships, CRCD construction sites, and other employment opportunities
• 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 young people
• Provide case management support to an innovative team of youth advocates
• Provide staff supervision support to the program manager
• Work with the program manager to provide quality assurance and file audit support in preparation for external partner and funder audits.
• Co-coordinate team and department meetings with direction from the program manager and department Director.
• Work with the outreach & intake coordinator to ensure program intakes are completed in a timely manner.
• Provide progress reports to the program manager to track performance measures indicators (Short-term and long-term indicators)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three to four years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Current California driver license with a clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent administrative skills
• Ability to write up reports and provide regular updates regarding program outcomes and performance measures
• Must be detailed oriented and well organized
• Ability to handle multiple deadlines
• Excellent multi-tasking skills
• Previous experience working with probation and foster youth
• Experience working with the African American and Latino community
• Knowledge of Los Angeles community resources and social service providers
• Excellent communication skills
• Must demonstrate competencies in numeracy, literacy, and computer literacy skills
• Ability to speak and write Spanish
• Efficient in Microsoft office suite, word, excel, and power point
• Knowledge and understanding of community development and non-profit sector

Salary

$35,000 - $45,000 based on experience

Application Process

Those interested in this position may apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and salary history to: resumes@coalitionrcd.org.  Please make sure to include the job title & how you heard of this position in the subject of your email.

Organization Details