In-School Youth Advocate (Promotor)

Latin American Youth Center/Maryland Multicultural Youth Centers (LAYC/MMYC) Promotores are a combination of youth development workers, mentors, and intensive case managers who work intentionally and deliberately to build transforming relationships with disconnected youth. The Promotor is responsible for providing services and referrals, support and follow-up over an extended period of time to youth between the ages of 11-24 facing high risk factors. The Promotor will provide mentoring, skill development, guidance, and advocacy so that each youth achieves the goals of increased academic success, transition to work, and improvement in healthy behaviors. Positions will be placed at high schools within Prince George’s County Public Schools.

JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY!

LAYC/MMYC is an organization that makes a difference in our community. We invite you to join our talented staff and become a part of an organization that is known for its commitment to excellence, mission, and respect for youth. We value diversity as a strength, with 85% of our staff identifying as people of color. We prioritize recruiting and supporting staff who have shared life experiences as our youth.

LAYC/MMYC’s mission is to empower a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through multicultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address youths' social, academic, and career needs. To achieve that mission, LAYC/MMYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 5,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behaviors, and guide youth toward successful adulthood. LAYC/MMYC also conducts advocacy and public policy work to broaden opportunities for youth.

LOCATION: Prince George's County

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS

In addition to a friendly work environment, we are pleased to offer the following benefits to our employees.

• Medical, dental, and vision plans with prescription coverage.
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Voluntary long-term disability and supplemental life insurance
• Matching 401(k) program beginning at hire
• Fifteen days paid vacation leave per year, increasing to 20 with tenure, 12 days (upfront) paid sick leave per year, 12 paid holidays per year.
• Eight weeks paid parental leave, including adoption and foster care.
• Health club discounts
• One to two days per week of telework for most positions (eligible after first 60 days)
• Education Assistance

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides school age youth with varying needs ongoing, long-term intensive case management services, including referrals and assistance linking youth to other service providers.
• Works with and develops strong, healthy relationships with youth, family members, and others involved in the youth’s life.
• Provides crisis intervention and remains available for emergencies.
• Responsible for recruitment and outreach activities within the school to actively build referral sources and identify and engage with students who may benefit from participation in the Promotor Pathway.
• Monitors youth’s progress and maintains frequent communication with youth through face-to-face meetings at the school, home visits, phone calls, text messages, and any other means of communication to ensure that individual goals are being addressed and met.
• Works with community agencies, school leaders and staff, and LAYC/MMYC program staff to develop and foster an effective coordination of services for youth.
• Participates in school and community events to represent the Promotor Pathway and engage with youth and families.
• Tracks outcomes and enters case notes regularly in LAYC’s database system, Efforts-to Outcome (ETO).

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; significant experience working with underserved youth will be considered.
• Minimum 4 years of youth development experience; school-based experience is a plus.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of community and local resources.
• Experience managing crisis situations.
• Ability and desire to maintain a flexible schedule (school/community events, late nights, and weekends).
• Knowledge of case management, monitoring and reporting.
• Bilingual or fluent/proficient: English and Spanish required for specific school placements.
• Proficient computer skills, experience with ETO or other data collection system a plus.
• Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
• Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
• Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
• LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of your interview and at your onboarding.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 10 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally.

LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume.