Professional Staff Opening
Position Title: Youth and Family Specialist - Delray Beach, FL
Reports To: Miami Office Director
Team: Immigration & Refugee – Delray Beach, FL
Job Location: Delray Beach, FL
Grade: 3
Starting Salary: $28,781- $32,000
Status: Non-Exempt; Non-Bargaining Unit
Deadline: April 18, 2008
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Church World Service Email: |
*Enter the title of the position applied for at the top of the resume or in the body of your cover letter.
Church World Service does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or veteran status in employment of the provision of services.
Primary Purpose:
Responsible for the provision of refugee youth screening, family assessment, academic/career services, cultural/recreational services, educational programs, and case management to help at risk youth and families achieve success in their adjustment in the United States. This also includes advocacy with the school systems, coordination of tutors, mentors, and interpretation / translation services.
Essential Duties:
- Meet with clients to provide initial program intake and assessment of needs. Conduct and/or under supervision, complete the initial assessments including the client assessments, school Performance Assessments, Individual Development Plan (IDP), Career Development Plan (CDP) and any specific testing tools required to assess for and meet the learning needs of the individual.
- Provide case management for youth and their families by developing service plans to meet client needs and arrange for ancillary services including: individual and family mental health services, stress and anger management, conflict resolution, academic, career, support services, and cultural/educational activities.
- Provide and coordinate the provision of English language tutoring, homework assistance, and mentoring opportunities.
- Develop and deliver culturally appropriate parent programs including discussions of building strong and resilient families, cultural adaptation, conflict resolution, empowerment, educational rights and responsibilities and skill building to families.
- Serve as a liaison between the school, parents and youth to foster communication and success with development plans and school goals.
- Ensure that clients are able to access needed community services. This may include developing creative transportation plans and/or transporting clients to and from their appointments.
- Maintain appropriate records (as per the Agency and Programs Policies and Procedures) of all clients and agency contacts; provide follow up referrals; and complete documentation according to professional standards.
- Assist with cultural orientation/acculturation to students and families regarding US schools, practices, customs, laws and regulations.
- Promote the value of adequate interpretation and translation services to students and parents at schools and other service settings to facilitate access and participation.
- Participate in trainings and education seminars in regarding cultural issues, Refugee populations and experience or other subjects as assigned.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by the Program Manager/Team Leader.
- Performs other related duties as requested.
Special Knowledge and Skills:
- Knowledge of human development, counseling skills, educational skills.
- Knowledge of community organization and resources.
- Ability to communicate well.
- Ability to deal professionally, courteously and efficiently with clients and other employees.
Educational Experience/Requirements:
Bachelors Degree in education, human services or a related field, 2 years of experience working with youth or refugees preferred; OR equivalent education and life experience. Bilingual communication skills are highly desirable. Cross-cultural experience preferred.
Other Skills:
Excellent English writing skills and experience in various computer software. Fluency in English and Haitian Creole. As a requirement of this position, may be required to use personal car and must have a valid Florida driver’s license
Competencies:
Communications: Listen carefully to assure clear understanding of instructions and requests. Communicate detailed and/or technical information clearly, in writing and orally. Ask appropriate questions in seeking explanations needed to perform job. Promote “transparency of information” by sharing relevant information with staff and other stakeholders. Understand staff roles and procedures and prepare standard reports to track job progress or activities. Anticipate constituent needs and interests and take proactive steps to respond to them. Understand and is able to use appropriate technology to communicate with others inside and outside CWSW. Respect and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information within parameters defined by supervisor and/or CWSW policy.
Constituent Relationships: Understand who stakeholders are and be responsive to their needs. Facilitate interactions and serve as a resource in relations with stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to issues of concern to stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to cultural, ethnic and religious issues.
Job Knowledge: Understand the mission and values of CWSW and faith-based organizations and how they apply to their work and relationships with others. Understand the work performed and how it supports CWSW in achieving its goals. Understand how to work multiculturally with sensitivity and integrity. Knows a broad range of information regarding specific program or department and use that knowledge to perform effectively and independently. Applies a depth of knowledge within area of responsibility to implement assigned activities. Able to use and willing to expand learning of applications or technology to perform job duties. Maintain and improve the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in performing job responsibilities. Interpret CWSW’s policies and procedures for staff and stakeholders, keeping the “human” side in sight.
Leadership: Accept accountability for assigned activities and adapt work style to perform independently or within a team. Model behaviors that are consonant with the mission and values of CWSW in work activities and relationships. Demonstrate sound judgment in performing all duties. Recognize and use individual strengths to enhance work performance. Recognize areas of weakness and seek assistance to improve performance. Take initiative within area of responsibility. Facilitate the use of skills and resources within CWSW. Contribute ideas for implementing CWSW’s vision and strategic plan.
Problem Solving: Identify problems in procedures that affect program work and recommend changes in systems or procedures to address them, then implement approved changes. Understand and apply knowledge of the context in which CWSW works, including global trends, issues, and the ecumenical movement. Exercise creativity in resolving problems and trying new ways of doing things. Know how and when to apply technical solutions to problems. Share results of problem solving experiences with others. Remain flexible in responding to organizational priorities.
Program Planning and Management: Anticipate work flow and take proactive steps to balance work priorities. Understand the desired outcome of assigned work and how it supports CWSW’s work. Gather, analyze and make use of information and resources necessary to complete work. Set and communicate deadlines and priorities. Successfully balance multiple activities, in support of program or departmental goals. Manage contacts with internal and external stakeholders to ensure flow of information and coordination of efforts. Verify the accuracy and quality of own work and the work of others. Contribute ideas to effectively implement program plans and activities. Keep other informed of work progress and any problems encountered. Assist others to complete priority work, or step in to handle work in their absence.
Resource Building and Stewardship: Recognize resource building potential in all interactions and be responsive and professional in providing information. Promote CWSW’s mission, programs and services with stakeholders to assure continued support. Use financial and material resources provided by CWSW to their best advantage, including business equipment and supplies. Make the most of own time and resources to maximize stewardship to CWSW. Respect one another and relationships with staff, supervisors and managers.
Teamwork: Understand what a team is and what it does. Demonstrate a willingness to work on a team. Understand own role on the team and how it fits in to the overall results to be produced. Promote effective interactions among team members and facilitate group discussion. Participates in identifying and establishing work needs and time lines for completion. Keep team leader and members informed of work status. Demonstrate awareness of what other teams do and how their work affects own team. Recognize and respect the importance of work performed by colleagues. Understand organizational priorities and is willing to set aside own tasks to assist others to complete high priority tasks.