Youth Support Specialist - Middle TN, Memphis Metropolitan Area

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 coding classes, 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.
Justice-involved men and women have long struggled to find employment upon release. They
have an immediate disadvantage because of their 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 behind the walls. Real Hope, Valuable Skills, & Meaningful Opportunity

Job Overview
The main objective of the Youth Specialist is to support and guide clients through processes
and procedures relating to their release from a juvenile detention facility and subsequent
reintegration into their community , starting on the first day of coding class to one year after
release. This position requires the ability to pass a background check and a drug screen. This is a 40-hour-per-week position with 25% travel requirements, paying $58,500 per year. The
Youth Specialist must be a resident of Middle Tennessee, Memphis Metropolitan Area, or
be willing to relocate immediately. Relocation expenses are not covered by the employer.

Responsibilities and Duties
● Develop positive relationships with assigned individuals and families
● Assess client needs and facilitate appropriate responses
● Review records and applications
● Establish treatment programs by setting schedules and routines
● Monitor cases by verifying clients’ attendance, observing and evaluating treatments
and responses, advocating for needed services and entitlements
● Refer clients to community resources, as needed, and monitor access to and receipt of necessary services
● Collaborate with other organizations providing services to the client
● Obtain additional resources, intervene in crises, and provide personal support
● Maintain client records by reviewing case notes, logging events, and
progress Communicate client progress by conducting weekly meetings and
evaluations balance work requirements with learning opportunities
● Participate in professional development and training
● Improve and implement best practices by studying, evaluating, and redesigning
processes Serve as a member of the case management and reentry team, collaborating
with other team members as needed
● Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in a human services area (social work, human services, criminal
justice, psychology, education) or an equal number of years of experience providing case
management services
● Experience providing case management and community support services to persons with
substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders
● Experience working with corrections-involved clients/offenders is
preferred Must have a valid driver's license

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