Youth Advocate

Position Title: Choose 2 Change Youth Advocate
Classification: Non-Exempt, Part-Time
Reports To: Education Director
Location: Phillips High School

Company Overview

Over the course of our proud fourteen-year history, Bright Star Community Outreach has made significant contributions to the renewal of Chicago’s most vulnerable communities as a
501C3 nonprofit organization. Driven by our hope for change in this city and the families that call it home, Bright Star’s presence has been marked by effective programming, social development, and advocacy; particularly in the greater Bronzeville community of Chicago’s south side.

Led by founder and CEO, Pastor Chris Harris, Sr., who grew up in the Bronzeville neighborhood where we are currently located, our strategy includes developing impactful community development initiatives aimed at facing our largest societal challenges: violence in our communities, poor economic opportunities, inadequate mental health services, affordable housing and education. These efforts are designed to strengthen local families and communities, as well as leverage our key partnerships with organizations and businesses that share our passion for seeing renewal in Chicago.

Position Overview

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 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, assessments, 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 are after school, in the evening, and on weekends.

Scope of Responsibilities

● Provide immediate support when crises arise and help 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 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 a 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 that it does not interfere with other job duties

● Complete assessments and initial treatment plans per child
● Complete case notes per engagement within 72 hours of engagement
● 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

Preferred Background and Qualifications

● Pass a CPS background check
● High School Diploma or equivalent
● Experience working with youth
● Computer literacy, including knowledge of Excel and Word
● Driver’s license, clean driving record, auto insurance, and access to personal vehicles preferred

Skills and Attributes

● Timeliness: Ability to consistently complete tasks, assignments, obligations and appointments punctually. Demonstrate organization, accountability and follow through while managing time effectively.

● Interpersonal Skills: Capable of communicating, collaborating, and interacting effectively with others. Showing empathy, care, and compassion all while working in a team environment. Able to build positive relationships.

● Problem Solving: Analyze challenges, identify solutions, and implement effective strategies to overcome obstacles or achieve goals. It often includes critical thinking, creativity, and logical reasoning.

Work Environment/Physical Demand

● Community-based engagement in schools, as well as home visits and travel
● Must be able to lift 25 lbs
● Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting. Ability to tolerate being outdoors in all weather for several hours

For more information or to apply, please contact Carol Jones at hr@brightstarcommunityoutreach.com.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person