Human Services Specialist II - Bilingual Youth Development Counselor; Elementary School

Human Services Specialist II Bilingual Youth Development Counselor (Elementary School – Patrick Henry)

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work.

If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Human Services Specialist II position.

The Human Services Specialist II will provide individualized developmental services and family supports that promote the development of youth and increase the self-sufficiency of families through in-school and community-based evaluations, crisis intervention, supportive counseling and referral services for students and families from Alexandria City Public Schools and other community locations. Provide case management, consultative and direct services to elementary school youth and families, in need of early intervention.

Implement appropriate youth development programs; including evidence-based programs that serve to promote protective factors that promote educational success and help students resist pressure to participate in risk behaviors, including the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Tasks are performed in accordance with established policies and procedures, under supervision.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations. Ability to work effectively with students having emotional, social, family, behavioral, alcohol/drug or other related problems. Ability to lead skills building, leadership and/or mentorship groups with youth. Ability to replicate evidence-based youth development programs. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, parents, co-workers, community partners and the general public.

Ability to work in a community-based setting. Ability to provide guidance and assistance to volunteers. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other professionals and with the general public, both orally and in writing. Ability to track and enter data accurately. Good knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development. Good knowledge of adolescent risk behaviors, including substance use. Good knowledge of area health, legal, social and other services.

• Collaborate with youth serving professionals on a continuous basis for initial assessments and ongoing case consultations
• Assesses child and family needs and develops comprehensive plan of supports and services;
• Actively monitors and coordinates early intervention services through face to face meetings and telephone conferences that include the family and other student support services and community partners
• Monitors and evaluates youth and family satisfaction with services and progress toward outcomes
• Advocates for youth and families’ needs by maintaining collaborative relationships with area youth serving agencies using a multi-systemic approach
• Provide mediation, positive youth development coaching and mentoring and referral services for school aged children and their families
• Lead skills-building, leadership and mentoring programs for youth and implement evidence-based youth development program(s)
• Supervise teen employees in youth leadership programs
• Develop goals, objectives and evaluation plan for all activities, in collaboration with supervisor
• Implement national, community and school-based youth development campaigns
• Conducts community outreach and…