Counselor Advocate, MSW (Learn. Excel. Advocate. Dream)

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Founded in 1965, the Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc. (CPC) aims to promote the social and economic empowerment of Chinese American, immigrant, and low-income communities. Today, CPC is the nation's largest Asian American social services agency and offers more than 50 programs at over 35 sites throughout New York City, including early childhood education, school-age care, youth services, workforce development, community services, and senior services. CPC strives to be the premier social service and leadership development organization. In 2017, CPC launched Advancing Our CommUNITY, its organization-wide strategy to expand services to address persistent needs and emerging trends and to improve leadership skills among staff and community members. Last year, our core programs and emergency services reached 200,000 people living in all five boroughs and all 51 city council districts. In the summer of 2022, CPC was recognized as the number one Chinese American organization in New York City to recommend to a Chinese immigrant looking for in-language and culturally competent resources according to a recent survey. This accomplishment is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of our staff. (For more information, please visit: https://www.cpc-nyc.org/)

DIVISION SUMMARY

CPC Education and Career Services (ECS) provides dynamic programs and activities that bridge youth and adults with their highest educational, economic and leadership potential. ECS believes it is never too early or too late to start learning, which is why an asset-based approach is used to maximize clients’ current strengths. Whether in schools, community centers, or internship sites, ECS creates equitable learning environments that promote leadership development, self-advocacy, and community building. ECS programs equip clients with essential skills and experiences today so that they are empowered to take the next step tomorrow.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

CPC LEAD (Learn, Excel, Advocate, Dream) is an afterschool program available at High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies for grades 9th – 12th. The program provides academic support, student enrichment, individualized counseling, and cultural and recreational opportunities. Students can explore their interests by joining several clubs available such as chorus, guitar, songwriting, red cross, photography, ping pong, debate, lion dance, various sports, and more. Homework help and academic support in different subjects are available to students every day after school. Project-based learning workshops are also offered to strengthen students’ skills related to social-emotional development, college access, and career exploration.

The program offers peer support and positive adult role models, motivates students to remain engaged in school, pursue their goals and interests, and explore post-secondary and career options. Furthermore, the program connects participants to needed services and accessibility to resources within and/or outside of school.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Program Director, the full-time Counselor Advocate for the Afterschool Program at High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies in Lower East Side, Manhattan, would assist participants in successfully transitioning from middle school to high school, stay on track through the year, and make the most of their high school experience.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the case management of the cohort of 50+ youth community members that are enrolled in the COMPASS High initiative.
• Provide guidance, support, and supervision to the other Counselor Advocates.
• Provide one-on-one guidance to a cohort of 25 youth community members with regular check-ins, and any additional guidance if needed.
• Assist the participants in developing an individual service strategy which outlines their personal goals and identifies educational, personal, or social issues that need to be addressed and followed up with throughout the school year.
• Refer participants and their families to appropriate support services and resources that are offered within CPC and/or linked external service agencies.
• Monitor each participant’s progress towards achievement of their goals and needs met.
• Assess each participant’s academic progress in school, afterschool attendance, and active participation in the program’s cohort building activities/projects.
• Co-facilitate and/or lead facilitation of socio-emotional learning workshops and cohort building activities of the program.
• Provide support with applications for summer internships/jobs, resumes, and resources on colleges and career opportunities.
• Support with the chaperone of trips and/or events held on occasional weekends and overnight.
• Perform and support other related duties and/or initiatives as outlined by the Program Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in social work required.
• Minimum two years of experience working with high school youth and school personnel, external service providers, and parents/guardians preferred.
• Familiarity with school grade promotion requirements and DYCD’s Core Competencies for Youth Work preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Strong sense of cultural competence and experience working with immigrant populations.
• Bilingual in English and Mandarin, Cantonese, and/or Spanish preferred.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS OVERVIEW

• $30.22 - $31.32 per hour; 35 hours per week with occasional weekends and evenings
• CPC offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to generous paid time off (holiday, sick and vacation time), Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life Insurance Coverage, Commuter Benefits, and a 403(b) Retirement Plan

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS

CPC has been committed to two goals: 1) keeping staff and community members healthy and safe and 2) continuing to safely provide services to community members. CPC no longer mandates COVID vaccination, but vaccines and boosters are highly encouraged for all our staff and community members.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested individuals should submit their resume, along with a cover letter addressed to Karl Leung, when applying online via CPC’s website: https://www.cpc-nyc.org/jobs or selected online job boards. All documents should be submitted as one single file. Applicants may reach out to careers@cpc-nyc.org with any questions or further inquiries.

CPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CPC values a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages women, BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQ+, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.