Position Description:
The Albina Rockwood Promise Neighborhood Initiative is designed to drive equity through culturally specific and responsive services in the Albina (N/NE Portland) and Rockwood (East County) neighborhoods in Multnomah County. In collaboration with six community based organizations this Initiative will serve schools in both the Portland Public and Reynolds School districts to provide a “cradle to career” pipeline of services to students and families supporting a successful transition into college and/or career. The Promise Neighborhood Youth Advocate is responsible for a caseload of 35-40 students at a specific middle school or high school site. NAYA’s approach to service is comprehensive and serves the “whole child” and crosses all of their environments; home, school and community. To effectively provide services across these environments, the Advocate develops partnerships with parents, schools and community organizations. The Advocate provides intensive case management, in school, after school and summer programming which provides opportunity to consistently encourage youth development and create Positive Contributing Community Members. Advocates establish meaningful relationships with youth and their families based on mutual respect. By using this model Advocates gain permission to guide, teach, motivate, and inspire youth. This position is responsible for completing assigned program activities that comply with funding requirements and agency program goals to provide direct support to American Indian and Alaska Native students in developing skills, knowledge, and abilities to succeed in educational achievement. The Youth Advocate will work closely with youth to assist in the completion of academic programs and to improve reading, writing and math competencies. The Youth Advocate will need to be able to effectively communicate with students, parents, teachers and school officials. The NAYA Family Center is equipped with a computer lab, Internet access, and a small library. This position is primarily a direct service position (75%). The remaining time will be dedicated to record keeping and general administrative tasks
Essential Functions:
Develop strong relationships with students and their parents utilizing NAYA’s Relational Worldview Model (RWM)
Create an Individual Success Plan (ISP) supporting school performance and academic, social and career goals using the Relational Worldview Model principles and tools
Provide classroom instruction and tutorial assistance
Provide individual and group advocacy
Develop, facilitate, and coordinate activities for afterschool and summer programming Monitor daily attendance, behavior, and academic progress of participants
Enter data into ETO database including case notes, ISP, student participation etc. on a weekly basis
Serve as advocate between students and school staff
Attend parent/teacher conferences, as needed
Attend and participate in regular agency, partner, and school staff meetings
Maintain records and files ensuring confidentiality for all students
Coordinate program activities and student participation with Parent Involvement Advocate
Prepare a monthly narrative program report (Monthly Summary) and any other required documentation
Additional Duties:
Provide transportation of clients, as needed, using agency vehicles and following agency vehicle reservation and check-out guidelines. Assist with picking up students from their schools and bringing them to the NAYA Family Center for services as well as assist with dropping students off at home after programming ends
Understand and adhere to confidentiality
Coordinate wraparound services effectively with other NAYA Family Center programs and staff
Participate in trainings and/or meetings to ensure program outcomes are achieved Represent NAYA with the utmost professionalism at community events and other public relations opportunities
Work as an active member of departmental team
Participate actively in cross-departmental team projects
Contribute to fostering a safe and secure environment for community members and staff
Other duties as assigned by Youth Advocacy Manager
Qualifications:
Education & Training:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology or a related field is recommended
A minimum of two (2) years of college level study plus (2) years of experience directly working with youth in an educational environment may be substituted for education requirement
Certifications/Credentials:
Certification (or ability to certify) and ability to maintain certification in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), 1st Aid and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)
Experience:
Case management experience highly desired
Experience working within diverse populations, specifically with the urban and reservation Native American population, including working within a tribe, board, or other organization. Knowledge of Native American history, an understanding of the diversity of the local American Indian/Alaskan Native community and issues surrounding the Urban Indian experienc
Skills:
Ability to deal with different people and situations appropriately, including effective communication with people from diverse backgrounds
Ability to successfully motivate and connect with others.
Ability to be a positive role model and maintain positive relationships
Must be highly organized and self-motivated with effective time management skills
Creative problem solving skills
Communication skills, active listening, verbal and written, including interpersonal skills
Proficient computer skills including:
How to Apply
hr@nayapdx.org