Youth Support Specialist for Nebraska Vocational Life Skills Program
Reports To
Program Manager
Who is Persevere?
Persevere is a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to decreasing recidivism and increasing successful reentry and transition for men and women involved in the criminal justice system. To accomplish this, Persevere offers a customizable, comprehensive program for criminal-justice involved individuals to develop meaningful job skills and gain successful access to the labor market. These services include software codings; job readiness and employability instruction, including life skills and financial education; work experience; job search and job placement; entrepreneurship training; and for some, a residential transition program.
National data shows recidivism rates are highest among those who are unemployed. Criminal justice involved men and women have long struggled to find employment upon release. They have an immediate disadvantage because of their criminal justice involvement, and must compete with non-offenders for unskilled, low-paying jobs. Even when they are successful at finding a job, keeping it is another challenge. As a result, many are unable to comply with the conditions of parole and end up back in prison.
Real Hope, Valuable Skills, & Meaningful Opportunity
Job Overview
Primary objectives are to provide individualized youth support services based on assessed need and to provide high quality life skills instruction. This is a full-time salaried position with excellent benefits. This position requires the ability to pass a reference check, background check and drug screen.
Responsibilities
Provide targeted youth support services (formerly known as case management) services to youth, such as assessment/reassessment, development of service plans, referral activities, and monitoring of services
Deliver life skills instruction virtually to youth using the Overcoming Obstacles curriculum and/or any appropriate curriculum selected by program managers
Plan instructional lessons and prepare materials in advance
Collaborate with the Youth Coordinator to plan, supervise, implement, and evaluate
youth-centered activities
Complete administrative duties as directed
Ensure safety and well-being of each program participant
Support and supervise youth participants
Maintain accurate records, including daily attendance and support service plans and referrals, under the direction of the Program Manager
Coordinate and collaborate with Family Support Specialists and participate on
appropriate case teams to ensure barriers, challenges, to success are being addressed
Provide informal counseling and coordinate treatment plans for youth participants,
making referrals to community resources as needed.
Comply with Program Director and Program Manager guidance related to job
responsibilities; overall program priorities; programmatic reporting; trauma-informed, racially-equitable, and gender-responsive services; time tracking, invoicing, and reporting procedures; and safety procedures
Participate in staff development activities as directed
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
BA/BS in human services, social work, education or related field
At least 2 years of experience in youth development work
Commitment to racial, social, and economic justice including anti-racism work
Demonstrated success in working with youth, particularly in group settings
Willing and able to self-identify as a person who has relatable experience such as has or is receiving mental health services, has interacted with the juvenile justice system, struggled with school academics or similar
We highly value
Passion for and responsibility to the customer/partner
Must be self-starting, hardworking and inquisitive
Leadership through innovation in everything you do
Passion for what you do and being self-critical to improve
Relentless commitment to win
Personal and corporate integrity