Open Doors Case Manager And Student Voice Advocate

The job of the Open Doors case manager and student voice advocate (ODCM/SVA) is done for the purpose of providing ongoing support, advocacy, and guidance to reengaging youth with the goal of accessing services that address economic, academic, social, and/or employment barriers that interfere with the ability to meet program requirements and personal goals. This is achieved through the completion of the General Educational Development (GED) and placement in employment and/or postsecondary education. This position concentrates on supporting young adults through the GED-plus process by employing a variety of case management strategies that engage students and inspire a positive educational experience now and in the future.
The ODCM is challenged to innovate, stay current on best and evidence-based practices, promote emotional intelligence development, and reinforce desirable workplace and postsecondary habits within an education-employment-life skills framework.
This position supports a variety of reengagement programs including, but not limited to Spokane County Open Doors, Crosswalk VOA, Gateway to College, Youth Build, AmeriCorps, and WIOA.
This position reports to the director, Center for Future Pathways.

• Monitors progress and attendance of youth for the purpose of assisting in the development and achievement of program and personal goals and for reporting purposes.
• Adheres to Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504s for students that require additional supports for the purpose of helping them be successful in education and employment.
• Monitors a scope of program-related activities for the purpose of collecting information for use in evaluating and modifying the program and assessing participant/student success.
• Maintains individual youth files, documentation, data entry, file management, and records retention for the purpose of providing ongoing case management, services, and for communicating with others.
• Develops relationships and agreements with community organizations, businesses, and programs for the purpose of providing services to youth with identified needs.
• Consults with young adults, colleagues, and agency personnel for the purpose of developing goals, coordinating plans, leveraging resources, and providing support services.
• Performs case management duties for youth with a range of economic, academic, social, and/or employment barriers.
• Identifies and expands upon opportunities for incorporating student voice, transforming power dynamics, and expanding on the collaborative spirit and youth/adult partnerships within Open Doors for the purpose of continuous school improvement.
• Contributes to the positive and professional culture at the Next Generation Zone, including collaboration with staff on all teams, contributing to an integrated center, and being an active participant in the future visioning process.
• Works with director to build a school culture of trust and belonging by promoting shared decision-making between adults and students.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g., case notes, statistical reports, student learning plans, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing references, and/or conveying information. Enters data into written and electronic systems to track outcomes, performance, and progress toward goals.
• Participates with coworkers, committees, or advisory groups for the purpose of meeting program objectives and performance outcomes.
• Collaborates with partner staff to identify students who are eligible for and responsive to additional education and workforce supports through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
• Makes referrals to community partners to include housing, mental health and substance abuse services, counselors, etc.
• Organizes workshops, meetings, and community events, etc. on a regular basis for the purpose of developing employee and program participant work readiness skills and worksite learning opportunities.
• Develops and assists in the implementation of student learning plans and/or employment skills training plans for the purpose of working towards job attainment, college, and/or a training program.
• Conducts screenings, motivational interviews, interventions, and referrals for the purpose of identifying and addressing economic, academic, social, and employment barriers and/or determining need for additional services and/or community-based referrals.
• Conducts intake interviews, develops and monitors individual case management files, mobilizes interventions, and develops relationships with community support networks for the purpose of assisting students in program transitions to work or school.

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:

• Preparing and maintaining accurate records/case management, and
• Operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications,
• Applying assessment instruments,
• Utilizing group presentation skills.

• Knowledge of GED preparation is desired.
• General understanding of opportunities available to youth and the many barriers that they may bring with them and

• Maintaining confidentiality.
• Understanding verbal input,
• Displaying patience,
• Communicating with diverse groups in a nonjudgmental manner,
• Working flexible hours,
• Adapting to changing work priorities,
• Responding quickly, and

Responsibility
Responsibilities include working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods, leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others, and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is continual opportunity to impact the agency’s services.
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under a generally hazard free environment.
Experience
Job-related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required. Two years of successful experience working with youth/young adults in alternative/ at-risk programs within scope of work and experience with GED preparation is highly preferred.
Education
Bachelor's degree in job related area. A high school diploma or GED with 4 years of related work experience, coursework, or training may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Clearances
WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance (at employee’s expense).
Certificates & Licenses
Valid driver’s license and required auto insurance.

To be considered for this position, the following documents must be submitted. Incomplete applications will not be screened.

• Transcripts (if applicable)
• Resume
• One professional letter of recommendation
• Cover Letter
• Online application

NEWESD 101 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. NEWESD 101 complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Persons who may need some accommodation in the hiring process should contact the human services office. *ADA, Affirmative Action, Title VII, Title IX Officer – Michelle Powers, 509.789.3504* *504 Officer – Mick Miller, 509.789.3539*