Youth Empowerment Specialist - Office Of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement (Onse)

Purpose

The Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement (ONSE) has the perfect opportunity just for you as a Youth Empowerment Specialist. This position supports City of Savannah youth violence reduction efforts. In this role you are responsible for providing long-term post-incident outreach, follow-up and support to high-risk youth and their families following gun and other incidents of youth violence. The position will implement community programs to outreach and engage high-risk youth and communities in activities that promote community unity and violence reduction in neighborhoods. Work is typically performed during non-traditional hours, including evenings, nights and weekends.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct timely and proactive outreach to high-risk youth and their families within 48 hours of an incident, including evenings and weekends, to provide support, assess needs, and establish rapport.
• Stay updated on best practices and research in the field of youth empowerment and violence reduction, integrating new knowledge into service delivery strategies.
• Collaborate with service providers and community partners to coordinate comprehensive and holistic support for youth, ensuring effective referral and follow-up processes, both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate initiative and self-starting behavior, taking responsibility for assigned tasks and projects, while also actively contributing to the collective efforts and goals of the ONSE team.
• Monitor and track the progress and outcomes of youth participants, maintaining accurate records and documentation of services provided and milestones achieved.
• Participate in regular team meetings, case conferences, and training sessions, contributing to a collaborative and supportive work environment while embracing independent work responsibilities.
• Provide individualized support, guidance, and advocacy to youth and families, assisting them in accessing appropriate services, resources, and interventions tailored to their specific needs.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with youth and families, serving as a consistent point of contact and resource throughout their engagement with ONSE services, even during non-traditional hours.
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of community outreach programs and engagement activities, fostering positive relationships and partnerships with stakeholders.
• Plan, organize, and host community events, outreach programs, and engagement activities to promote awareness, connection, and participation of high-risk youth in violence prevention initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, human services, criminal justice or a related field with two (2) years of experience working with high-risk youth and families (preferably in a community-based violence prevention setting).

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history and reliable transportation.

Must be able to work a flexible work schedule.

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Skill in project management, organization and attention to detail.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport, establish trust, engage with diverse populations and work with support agencies, including during non-traditional hours, is required.
• Skill in the operation of computers and other modern office equipment.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and evidence-based interventions for violence reduction.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including late nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the target population.
• Knowledge of case management methodologies, youth development principles and violence prevention and intervention practices.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative and self-motivation, as well as collaboratively within a team setting.
• Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.
• Skill in data collection, documentation, and use of case management systems or databases.
• Knowledge of community organizations, supportive services, and other government and non-profit resources that can assist in addressing the needs of youth and families.
• Knowledge and understanding of social justice issues, especially impacting high risk youth and communities, and methods for ensuring cultural sensitivity, equity and inclusivity in service delivery.
• Skill in public speaking and interpersonal relations.
• Ability to work with at-risk/high-risk youth and their families in traumatic incidents involving violence or the threat of harm/violence.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities.

MINIMUM STANDARDS:
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Director assigns work in terms of goals and objectives. The work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of office activities.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include City ordinances, State codes, City policies and procedures, and supervisory instructions. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied management duties. Frequent interruptions and strict deadlines contribute to the complexity of the position.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to assist the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement in efforts to deter, respond to, and reduce gun violence among youth. Successful performance in this position will result in more youth engaged in positive activities and pursuing positive outcomes and fewer youth engaged in acts of gun violence or becoming victims of gun violence.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, youth and their families, neighborhood leaders, community and other social organizations, faith-based entities, City departments, non-profit service providers, law enforcement and judicial system officials, and members of the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, motivate individuals, provide services, make referrals, resolve problems, make decisions, and negotiate and settle matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work typically involves sitting, standing, lifting, reaching, and walking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office and community setting.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position does not supervise employees.