Job Title: Youth and Family Specialist
Organization: Church World Service
Location: Miami, FL
Salary: 28,781 - 32,000
FT Regular
 
Job Description:
Position Title: Youth and Family Specialist
Reports To: Miami Office Director
Team: Immigration & Refugee  Miami, FL
Job Location: Miami, FL
Grade: 3
Staring Salary: $28,781- $32,000
Status: Non-Exempt; Non-Bargaining Unit
Deadline: June 6, 2008
 
Send Applications* to: Church World Service
Office of Human Resources - KWL
P.O. Box 968
28606 Phillips St.
Elkhart, IN 46515
 
Email: cwshr@churchworldservice.org
Fax: 574-266-0087
 
 
*Enter the title of the position applied for at the top of the resume or in
the body of your cover letter.
 
Church World Service does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or
veteran status in employment of the provision of services.
 
Primary Purpose:
Responsible for the provision of refugee youth screening, family assessment,
academic/career services, cultural/recreational services, educational
programs, and case management to help at risk youth and families achieve
success in their adjustment in the United States. This also includes
advocacy with the school systems, coordination of tutors, mentors, and
interpretation / translation services.
 
Essential Duties:
 
Meet with clients to provide initial program intake and assessment of needs.
Conduct and/or under supervision, complete the initial assessments including
the client assessments, school Performance Assessments, Individual
Development Plan (IDP), Career Development Plan (CDP) and any specific
testing tools required to assess for and meet the learning needs of the
individual.
Provide case management for youth and their families by developing service
plans to meet client needs and arrange for ancillary services including:
individual and family mental health services, stress and anger management,
conflict resolution, academic, career, support services, and
cultural/educational activities.
Provide and coordinate the provision of English language tutoring, homework
assistance, and mentoring opportunities.
Develop and deliver culturally appropriate parent programs including
discussions of building strong and resilient families, cultural adaptation,
conflict resolution, empowerment, educational rights and responsibilities
and skill building to families.
Serve as a liaison between the school, parents and youth to foster
communication and success with development plans and school goals.
Ensure that clients are able to access needed community services. This may
include developing creative transportation plans and/or transporting clients
to and from their appointments.
Maintain appropriate records (as per the Agency and Programs Policies and
Procedures) of all clients and agency contacts; provide follow up referrals;
and complete documentation according to professional standards.
Assist with cultural orientation/acculturation to students and families
regarding US schools, practices, customs, laws and regulations.
Promote the value of adequate interpretation and translation services to
students and parents at schools and other service settings to facilitate
access and participation.
Participate in trainings and education seminars in regarding cultural
issues, Refugee populations and experience or other subjects as assigned.
Perform all other duties as assigned by the Program Manager/Team Leader.
Performs other related duties as requested.
Special Knowledge and Skills:
 
Knowledge of human development, counseling skills, educational skills.
Knowledge of community organization and resources.
Ability to communicate well.
Ability to deal professionally, courteously and efficiently with clients and
other employees.
 
Educational Experience/Requirements:
 
Bachelors Degree in education, human services or a related field, 2 years of
experience working with youth or refugees preferred; OR equivalent education
and life experience. Bilingual communication skills are highly desirable.
Cross-cultural experience preferred.
 
Other Skills:
 
Excellent English writing skills and experience in various computer
software. Fluency in English and Haitian Creole. As a requirement of this
position, may be required to use personal car and must have a valid Florida
drivers license and must pass background screening.
 
Competencies:
Communications: Listen carefully to assure clear understanding of
instructions and requests. Communicate detailed and/or technical information
clearly, in writing and orally. Ask appropriate questions in seeking
explanations needed to perform job. Promote transparency of information by
sharing relevant information with staff and other stakeholders. Understand
staff roles and procedures and prepare standard reports to track job
progress or activities. Anticipate constituent needs and interests and take
proactive steps to respond to them. Understand and is able to use
appropriate technology to communicate with others inside and outside CWSW.
Respect and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information within
parameters defined by supervisor and/or CWSW policy.
 
Constituent Relationships: Understand who stakeholders are and be responsive
to their needs. Facilitate interactions and serve as a resource in relations
with stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to issues of concern to
stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to cultural, ethnic and religious
issues.
 
Job Knowledge: Understand the mission and values of CWSW and faith-based
organizations and how they apply to their work and relationships with
others. Understand the work performed and how it supports CWSW in achieving
its goals. Understand how to work multiculturally with sensitivity and
integrity. Knows a broad range of information regarding specific program or
department and use that knowledge to perform effectively and independently.
Applies a depth of knowledge within area of responsibility to implement
assigned activities. Able to use and willing to expand learning of
applications or technology to perform job duties. Maintain and improve the
skills and knowledge needed to be effective in performing job
responsibilities. Interpret CWSWs policies and procedures for staff and
stakeholders, keeping the human side in sight.
 
Leadership: Accept accountability for assigned activities and adapt work
style to perform independently or within a team. Model behaviors that are
consonant with the mission and values of CWSW in work activities and
relationships. Demonstrate sound judgment in performing all duties.
Recognize and use individual strengths to enhance work performance.
Recognize areas of weakness and seek assistance to improve performance. Take
initiative within area of responsibility. Facilitate the use of skills and
resources within CWSW. Contribute ideas for implementing CWSWs vision and
strategic plan.
 
Problem Solving: Identify problems in procedures that affect program work
and recommend changes in systems or procedures to address them, then
implement approved changes. Understand and apply knowledge of the context in
which CWSW works, including global trends, issues, and the ecumenical
movement. Exercise creativity in resolving problems and trying new ways of
doing things. Know how and when to apply technical solutions to problems.
Share results of problem solving experiences with others. Remain flexible in
responding to organizational priorities.
 
Program Planning and Management: Anticipate work flow and take proactive
steps to balance work priorities. Understand the desired outcome of assigned
work and how it supports CWSWs work. Gather, analyze and make use of
information and resources necessary to complete work. Set and communicate
deadlines and priorities. Successfully balance multiple activities, in
support of program or departmental goals. Manage contacts with internal and
external stakeholders to ensure flow of information and coordination of
efforts. Verify the accuracy and quality of own work and the work of others.
Contribute ideas to effectively implement program plans and activities. Keep
other informed of work progress and any problems encountered. Assist others
to complete priority work, or step in to handle work in their absence.
 
Resource Building and Stewardship: Recognize resource building potential in
all interactions and be responsive and professional in providing
information. Promote CWSWs mission, programs and services with stakeholders
to assure continued support. Use financial and material resources provided
by CWSW to their best advantage, including business equipment and supplies.
Make the most of own time and resources to maximize stewardship to CWSW.
Respect one another and relationships with staff, supervisors and managers.
 
Teamwork: Understand what a team is and what it does. Demonstrate a
willingness to work on a team. Understand own role on the team and how it
fits in to the overall results to be produced. Promote effective
interactions among team members and facilitate group discussion.
Participates in identifying and establishing work needs and time lines for
completion. Keep team leader and members informed of work status.
Demonstrate awareness of what other teams do and how their work affects own
team. Recognize and respect the importance of work performed by colleagues.
Understand organizational priorities and is willing to set aside own tasks
to assist others to complete high priority tasks.
 
How to Apply:
Deadline: June 6, 2008
Send Applications* to: Church World Service
Office of Human Resources - KWL
P.O. Box 968
28606 Phillips St.
Elkhart, IN 46515
 
Email: cwshr@churchworldservice.org
Fax: 574-266-0087
 
Organization Web Site: www.churchworldservice.org/employment/cwsjob399.html
 
Email replies to: cwshr@churchworldservice.org