Choose 2 Change

Position Title: Choose 2 Change Youth Advocate

Classification: Non-Exempt, Part-Time

Stipend: Determined by number of mentees

Reports To: Education Director

Location: Phillips High School

Job Summary

The primary responsibility of the Choose 2 Change Advocate is to intake, organize, plan, develop and implement direct advocacy and mentorship services to clients and families. Advocates are responsible for providing services to students that have been identified by the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) as needing higher intensity care, specifically students identified as tier 3 or above. A Choose 2 Change Advocate provides routine check ins, assessment, individualized service plans, resource referrals and discharge planning for a caseload of 5 students for six (6)

months at a time. The Choose 2 Change Advocate engages with the participants during

school hours for group sessions primarily during their lunch hour, however the primary

points of engagement is after school, in the evening, and on weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate support when crises arise and helps youth learn new ways to respond to challenges
• Advocate for young people while teaching them how to advocate for themselves
• Provide relentless engagement, especially for those who do not want to participate in the program
• Provide strength-based engagement with youth, identifying their potential and providing support throughout the program
• Develop individualized service plans that become the basis of support
• Ensure that youths’ basic needs are met
• Maintaining relatability with the youth
• Create and implement new experiences and group activities
• Engage in both individual and group meetings, outside of the school building, and in the community with students totaling 6.5 hours per student.
• Build rapport with students to aid in maintaining their engagement with their CPS school
• Work closely with team clinician, who provides clinical groups to the entire school caseload
• Work closely with families and the school
• Assist with outreach throughout the active and continuous enrollment periods
• Assist in building support for community-wide efforts and initiatives
• Participate in Bright Star Community Outreach’s fundraising, and public relations events and efforts as needed and to the extent which it does not interfere with other job duties
• Complete assessments and initial treatment plans per child
• Complete case notes per engagement withing 72 hours of engagement

Administrative Responsibilities

• Follow the objectives of the program and understand the program’s performance measures
• Collect and maintain program documentation and data
• Complete assessments, service plans and client notes as applicable
• Be responsible for safety and proper use of cell phones and other equipment
• Log activities and time as required by the organization and its funders
• Regularly attend team and organization meetings and trainings

Qualifications and Skills

• Pass CPS background check.
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience with youth
• Computer literacy, including knowledge of Excel and Word
• Ability to keep appointments punctually, be organized and demonstrate accountability and follow through
• Openness to new ideas and skills and commitment to learning through hands-on-training
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
• Ability to problem-solve and make decisions in chaotic and/or stressful situations
• Strong interpersonal and direct communication skills
• Driver’s license, clean driving record, auto insurance, and access to personal vehicles preferred

Work Environment/Physical Demand

• Community based engagement in schools as well as home visits and travel consistent with both
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
• Extreme standing, walking, bending, and lifting.
• Ability to tolerate being outdoors in all weather for several hours at a time.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• After school

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60653 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60653: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person