Youth Support Partner

Department: Allegheny County Department of Human Services

Division: Office of Community Services

Location: 810 River Avenue, Suite 300 Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Summary

The Youth Support Partner, a member of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) Youth Support Partner Unit, supports the implementation efforts of Systems Integration and Improving Outcomes for Children and Families through family teaming. The primary responsibility of this position is to serve as a peer mentor, positive role model, advocate and support youth and young adults. The Youth Support Partner (YSP) will assist youth in achieving their goals, in making good choices, pursuing healthy life choices, handling adversity and peer pressure, connecting with resources, helping youth in having a voice and being accountable for their own lives and future. This position involves connecting with youth while working independently and with teams to identify, advocate and act as a liaison between youth and other professionals and community natural supports. Additional assignments may include work with DHS Senior Management Staff and Director as needed.

Incumbent must have (1) personal life experience in one or more of the child serving human service systems, such as, juvenile justice, behavioral/mental health, intellectual disability, child welfare, drug & alcohol, etc. and (2) the ability to positively and appropriately self-disclose regarding that experience. Local and distant travel as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as an advocate and peer mentor for youth currently receiving services through Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services.
• Actively participates and completes the Family Development Credential, as well as other trainings and professional development opportunities, including High Fidelity Wraparound, if applicable.
• Speaks up for the youth and the Youth Support Partner role in various settings – 1 on 1; in small groups; at meetings and large conferences, etc.
• Acts as a resource on youth transition through the collection of information about the needs of young adults in any DHS System.
• Represents the DHS in internal and external committees, meetings, taskforces, presentations, and at community, county and state events.
• Provides access to educational opportunities and resources around the DHS system.
• Works independently, as well as with teams, to assist youth in identifying and coordinating services, community resources and natural supports.
• Coordinates youth involvement in a variety of opportunities, including but not limited to conference attendance involving out of town travel.
• Coordinates youth involvement in evaluation projects.
• Assists with the creation of publications, list-serves, websites and/or social media to promote and support related youth development activities.
• Educates youth on how to advocate for their needs; have a voice and choice in matters related to their lives.
• Creates partnerships with youth and professionals to help meet their needs.
• Educates youth on independence and recovery.
• Coordinates and helps facilitate support groups and/or social events.
• Provides outreach, recruits, and identifies youth for the program.
• Shares personal life experiences according to the Employee Self-Disclosure Guidance.
• Serves as a role model for youth and others.
• Completes all required paperwork (case notes, timesheets, expense reports, etc.) in a timely manner.

Additional Responsibilities

From time to time the employee will be required to perform additional tasks and duties as required by the employer.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates sense of personal responsibility and accountability
• Demonstrates ability to follow up and follow through on assignments and tasks
• Demonstrates knowledge and some success with own life skills, i.e. budgeting, pursuing and maintaining education objectives and/or jobs, understanding of basic life skills (hard and soft skills), etc.
• Demonstrates leadership abilities through taking initiative on projects, during meetings, and other peer support opportunities
• Demonstrates the ability to manage personal and work boundaries, and seek support when needed
• Demonstrates an ability to establish and accomplish goals
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds in a culturally competent manner
• Outspoken, flexible and self-disciplined
• Ability to take constructive criticism with an open mind
• Ability to set and manage one’s own schedule and meet deadlines
• Proven ability to adjust to changes
• Knowledge of community resources
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to find creative solutions to problems/issues
• Skilled at leading and inspiring by example
• Skilled in public speaking

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, consistent with applicable law.

Education/Experience Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent, plus a minimum of 1 year combined work experience. Incumbent must have (1) personal life experience in one or more of the child-serving human service systems, such as juvenile justice, behavioral/mental health, intellectual disability, child welfare, drug & alcohol, etc. and (2) the ability to positively and appropriately self-disclose regarding that experience.

-OR-

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which meets the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances

-AND-

Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle to attend meetings and make home visits to the families.