Youth Development Navigator

Safe Futures Youth Center empowers and advocates for under-served young people from low-income communities and communities of color to maximize their potential. The Youth Center’s prevention and intervention programs and services aim to reduce youths’ involvement in the juvenile justice system, gangs, and school truancy and drop out. We are here to ensure that our young people emerge confident, resourceful, engaged community members with the tools and support to navigate their futures.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, provide an array of youth/young adult development and community support services (aka case management services) to 20 to 30 youth in City of Seattle who are in need of support by providing motivation and guidance towards academic and career success.

Youth Development & Community Support services primarily act as prevention and intervention tools for youth who are most at-risk of or are currently involved with gangs and the juvenile legal system. The Youth Development Navigators (YDN) provide counseling and act as advocates for the youth and families.

Community Support intervention and prevention services include conducting a comprehensive assessment, developing individualized service plans, leadership development (individual and group), employment readiness training and workshops, year round and summer employment programs, resource mapping, providing wrap around services and weekly engagements, etc.... Community support services are result-based services proven to increase positive academic, social, and behavioral outcomes and reduce harmful behaviors and influences.

This represents a concerted effort to stop the school to prison pipeline within our communities and advance the goal toward zero youth detention.

40 hrs/wk FTE, M-Fri, 9 am - 6 pm

This position will require some work during evenings and occasional weekends.

Includes full medical, dental, group life, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Comprehensive on-boarding and job training.

• Work with 20-30 youth who are currently involved or at-risk of being involved in the juvenile legal system, gangs, and/or academic failure.
• Work with youth and families who low-income, from communities of color between the ages of 14-24. Develop & lead peer group, employment training, leadership development workshops/activities based upon current and past issues which impact the youth
• Provide crisis management to address critical situations
• Conduct home visits, provide case management, individual and group counseling, referral, follow up, and family support. Involves direct communication with parents & youth.
• Contact or visit probation counselors, juvenile courts, teachers, and other related agencies.
• Complete thorough assessments and create individualized action plans for caseload youth.
• Maintain case files, evaluation records, computerized information systems, and other related paperwork.
• Engage the juvenile legal system through various meetings, presentations, and collaborative efforts to inform, promote, and contribute to the cause of racial equity, social justice, cultural responsiveness, and restorative community solutions.

• BA Degree, preferably in social work, counseling, education or related social services field.
• 2 years of direct social service experience with low income BIPOC youth and families involved in the juvenile legal system; and/or professional experience providing any of the essential functions listed above.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Computer proficiency (Microsoft Office, database entry, report drafting, etc.)
• Valid Washington State Driver License with a safe/clean driving record