Prevention / Intervention & Resource Specialist

Prevention / Intervention & Resource Specialist

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Street Smart Youth Project (SSYP) is an innovative youth-development organization specializing in the provision of evidence-based prevention and early intervention programming for under-resourced youth, young adults, and communities. The organization believes in creating a tribal/communal experience, prioritizing dosage over time for optimal impact. SSYP seeks to ensure that all under-resourced minority youth will have affirming and innovative development environments. This approach endeavors to create a talented pool of educated, skilled, trained, and passionate individuals who are equipped to maximize their shared identity to facilitate youth’s personal, cultural, health and academic progress, sociopolitical consciousness, and socio-emotional well-being.

PROGRAM

Street Smart Youth Project currently operates various youth development initiatives, focusing on evidence-based prevention and early intervention services. Specifically, programming endeavors to increase protective factors whilst decreasing risk factors for under-resourced minority youth. SSYP programming is youth driven and designed to increase self-efficacy and self-determination for all participants.

THE ROLE

This position is responsible for direct services delivered to youth and young adults for prevention and early intervention programming at SSYP including group facilitation of evidence-based health interventions. Programs address HIV/STI/ teen pregnancy and substance use prevention as well as life skills and mental health/wellness. Additional youth development activities will promote alternatives to risk behaviors. Candidates must be drug-free and have the ability to model healthy behaviors for the youth served. Street Smart Youth Project believes that behavior change can directly result from exposure to new experiences, information and/or healthy relationships. The organization seeks a unique candidate who can teach, mentor, and implement quality programs.

Criminal background check mandatory.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as liaison with juvenile justice, local middle and high schools, area technical schools and other community-based organizations
• Facilitate or co-facilitate group interventions
• Provide case management services to youth, young adults, and families
• Refer/link youth to appropriate social services as needed
• Help maintain an orderly, safe, and welcoming environment for all participants
• Attend all on-site and off-site training relative to job duties
• Recruit, welcome, attract new participants to various programs
• Provide youth development, mentoring, and outreach services in community settings
• Provide written input and/or activity notes for inclusion in project reports
• Upon request, assist with presentations about SSYP and its program offerings.

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with under-resourced youth and young adults
• Ability to work independently with fidelity and accountability
• Experienced group facilitator
• Ability to drive a 15- passenger vehicle for outreach activities (clean driving record necessary)
• Reliable, non-judgmental about sex, sexuality, and substance use
• Enjoys collaborating with a team and brings forth positive energy and creativity
• Mature, patient, and flexible, with a sense of humor
• Familiar with the stages of change, public health, and cognitive-behavioral models
• Familiar with a wide range of community services and resources – from the criminal justice system to public schools, technical schools, and recreational facilities
• Undergraduate degree required, advanced degree in public health, psychology, social work, and/or human services preferred

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Master’s degree in Psychology/Social Work/Human Services/Criminal Justice preferred. Required, Bachelor’s degree and four years of experience in a field related to youth development programming. Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; effective oral and written communication skills.

COMPENSATION

Salary for this position is commensurate with education and experience (ranging from 38k- 45k). Employee benefits include medical insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401K plan, and a significant paid time‐off package. In addition, there are incentive-based strategies inter-woven throughout. Professional development opportunities include travel nationally.

APPLICATION

Instead of a cover letter, please submit a brief statement outlining your philosophy of youth development and prevention programming, specifically as it pertains to under- resourced minority youth. Please limit your response to 1000 characters or less. Due to the number of applicants, only viable candidates will be contacted. ATTN: Brandon Johnson, MPA.

Street Smart Youth Project provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees.