Youth Resource Navigator and Advocate

Job Details

Job Location:

Admin Office Brunswick - Brunswick, ME 04011

Position Type:
Part Time

This position will connect program participants to care and/or make referrals in a timely, coordinated manner. The ideal candidate will be able to assess and identify children and youth needs, support their primary caretaker in making connections to a robust community network of supportive services, and assist in cultivating activities that foster positive family engagement between incarcerated parents and their children within detention and correctional facilities.

This role is pivotal in supporting our mission of improving family relationships and outcomes through personalized guidance and support.

• Talk through the child/youth and caregiver’s concerns to understand their circumstances and challenges.
• Offer information and referrals to children/youth and their caretakers on community resources and opportunities to advance child wellbeing and positive family engagement.
• Work collaboratively with other VOA staff to develop a comprehensive resource plan tailored to the family’s specific needs.
• Help children/youth and caregivers navigate the system of care to receive referrals to access necessary services including, but not limited to, housing, food assistance, physical and mental health care services, and education.
• Conduct monthly check-ins with York County Jail’s administrator to identify incarcerated parents/caregivers and their children/youth with enhanced needs or challenges to prioritize and tailor service delivery and referrals.
• Provide monthly parenting/skills education to incarcerated parents/caregivers (pre- and post-release) to improve communication and reduce conflict to create more positive relationships between parents/caregivers and children.
• Improve visitation experiences by providing family activities/child services including game events, art projects, crafts, and holiday parties.
• Conduct quarterly pro-social gatherings for children/youth, such as recreational, art, crafting, outdoor, or sport activities, to promote community connection and positive child development
• Assist parents and caregivers with transportation and peer support for meetings and appointments, where feasible and appropriate.
• Follow up with participants to ensure they have accessed resources effectively and provide additional support to overcome barriers preventing family engagement.
• Support the development of an advisory working group comprised of VOANNE staff, YCJ staff, USM staff, and individuals with lived experience to inform the review of practices and implementation of system improvement recommendations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources and establish strong relationships with service providers.
• Document interactions, provided services, and outcomes achieved in the organization’s case management tool.
• Collaborate with York County Sheriff’s Office, University of Southern Maine, and other VOA departments, such as the Behavioral Health Clinical team, to enhance service delivery.
• Serve as a positive role model, treating all individuals with respect, empathy, and professionalism.
• Participate in staff meetings and contribute to team-based service delivery and problem-solving.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Demonstrated knowledge and work experience with children and youth is preferred, especially children and youth impacted by incarceration, juvenile justice, mental health, or child welfare services.
• Knowledge and experience in creating, implementing, and maintaining Individual Resource and Development Plans (preferred).
• Knowledge and experience working to connect children/youth…