Group & Community Engagement Specialist Job Kankakee area,Illinois USA,Social Work

Group & Community Engagement Specialist

The Group & Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for delivering structured group sessions to youth in school and community settings, maintaining a caseload of participants, and supporting overall engagement through individual sessions, program-hosted activities, and family events. This role also facilitates group intakes, manages participant documentation, and collaborates closely with community partners. Additional responsibilities include providing backup crisis response support, participating in peer session observations, attending community events, and collecting youth satisfaction feedback to inform service quality.

Include the following, and other duties may be assigned as needed:

Maintain an active caseload generally ranging from 15 to 20 participants, with adjustments made based on program needs and as directed by the Program Supervisor

Organize and conduct group sessions in schools or community settings

Facilitate group intakes and manage participant documentation

Plan and execute program-hosted activities and family engagement events

Collaboration with Community Partners

Provide backup crisis response support as needed

Peer Session Observation

Coordinate and attend community partner events

Youth Satisfaction surveys for group services

Training Requirements:

Complete all Core Curriculum training(s) required for the position.

Comply with IDHS program standards and requirements for CCBYS

Comply with the State of Illinois-mandated reporting law.

Complete all required Federal, Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and Agency Core Curriculum and Mandated Reporter training, meetings, and workshops as required.

Complete all other duties as assigned.

Trauma Informed Care:

Ensure that all employees are using a trauma-informed approach to all their work duties that include the "5 S's". This approach sets a high priority for staff and clients:

Safety (physical and emotional safety)
Self-regulation (ability to manage one's own emotions so they do not interfere with the helping process)
Supportiveness (building relationships with clients that are respectful and caring)
Strengths (seeking to identify positive traits of all clients)
Self-care (resolve any secondary stress reactions)

7 Essential Ingredients (7ei):

Prevalence
Impact
Perspective Shift
Regulation
Relationship
Reason to Be
Caregiver Capacity

Compensation and Benefits:

Competitive Pay $24.04
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Disability & Life Insurance
Paid Vacation, Sick Days, and Holidays
Retirement Plan
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Discounts on services like cell phones, restaurants, and more

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

Education and/or

Experience:

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS/BSW) required. Previous experience with at-risk youth preferred.

Other

Qualifications:

Must be available to work evenings and weekends and flexible in scheduling. Will be required to transport clients in their vehicle. Must be able to accept and incorporate constructive feedback.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Valid Illinois driver's license with a clear driving record. Documentation verifying current automobile insurance.