Outreach Specialist

Teen Engagement Facilitator

Under general supervision, facilitates youth engagement through prevention programming and provides ongoing support, crisis intervention, community social service referrals, and coaching for the teen population; and performs other duties as assigned.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Identifies and directly engages hard-to-reach middle and high school students; builds trust through positive communication; conducts individual and group meetings with students to provide support in mentor/mentee relationships; provides safe space for teens to express challenges; assists youth population in utilizing coping mechanisms in crisis situations; offers possible solutions to prevent recurrence of problems.
• Redirects youth into socially acceptable behaviors and socially constructive lifestyles through employment, education and recreation; models positive behavior through engagement in productive activities such as neighborhood teen clubs and camps; guides teens in goal setting and self-esteem building in high-risk populations.
• Assists youths in recognizing the consequences of their decisions; supports building life/social skills and developing executive function to enable students to become responsible members at school, in the community and at home.
• Provides ongoing and crisis coaching, researches and identifies referral services, makes referrals to proper units, communicates with responsible adults to prevent youth involvement in the justice system.
• Frequents local commercial complexes, parks and various community hot spots to interact and maintain positive contacts with store vendors, teens and gang-affiliated individuals; promotes contact with hard-to-reach teens, preserves confidentiality of communication when possible; networks with neighborhood and community organizations.
• Develops volunteer and employment opportunities and referrals for at-risk youth; contacts local agencies, develops vital relationships with stakeholders, connects youths with suitable programs; maintains knowledge and awareness of available resources and referral channels according to District guidelines.
• May serve on community task forces targeting at-risk youth; regularly corresponds with other District staff and administrators, school officials and community leaders; confers with community groups and schools to formalize program ideas and promote participation in school and District programs.
• Conducts youth-related trainings for District staff as well as community development workshops; prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports.

Other duties and responsibilities:

• May drive a District or personal vehicle.
• Non-exempt employees may be required to work overtime.
• Participates during disasters or when emergency response is needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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

Education/

Experience:

Graduation from a two-year college with an associate degree, and at least 2,000 hours of relevant work or volunteer experience. A bachelor's degree in social work or a related field is preferred. Candidates must be at least 18 years old.

Language Ability:
Ability to communicate effectively in English in both written and oral form. Ability to write routine correspondence using correct spelling and grammar.

Math Ability:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, fractions and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:
Ability to use common sense and exercise good judgement in solving problems. Ability to establish effective relationships with fellow employees, volunteers and participants and parents/guardians.

Certificates and Licenses:

• First Aid & CPR/AED within 90 days of employment with ability to maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of employment.
• Valid California driver's license with a good driving record and current automobile insurance.
• Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
• Proof of a negative TB skin test.

Other required skills:
Ability to communicate effectively and gain confidence among teens. Ability to relate and exhibit cultural awareness and sensitivity to individuals representing a variety of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Work environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a community center or office environment subject to frequent public contact and…