Youth Services Specialist - Winnebago

Description

RAMP’s Youth Services Specialists (YSS) advocate to reduce barriers for youth with disabilities, assist them with preparing for transitioning from youth to adulthood, and encourage them to realize that there are no limits to what they can do. By utilizing evidence-based curriculums, the YSS teaches youth skills related to self-advocacy, job readiness, post-secondary counseling, and independent living. This position also requires an understanding of the principle of the Independent Living (IL) Philosophy, and a genuine desire to carry out this philosophy. Responsibilities of this position will be conducted in all counties covered by RAMP.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Youth Services Director.

Position Location: Hybrid work opportunity! Home office is located in Winnebago, IL.

A significant portion of the work is conducted within Winnebago County schools, though the candidate must be willing to travel across all four counties (DeKalb, Boone, Winnebago and Stephenson).

Primary Responsibilities

Student and Family Support

• Help students and their families understand their disability and how it impacts them.
• Educate students and their families on their rights and effective self-advocacy.
• Assist students and their families with navigating community resources to support their goals.

Instuction and Skill Development

• Deliver RAMP’s curriculum in area schools to students from kindergarten through age 22.
• Teach transition-aged students the skills they need for adulthood, including self-advocacy, job exploration, workplace readiness, post-secondary counseling, and independent living.
• Facilitate programs and curricula that support students in making successful transitions into adulthood.
• Foster acceptance and belonging for youth with disabilities.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

• Work with school districts to build collaborative relationships.
• Attend and conduct networking activities with other agencies and service providers to connect students with disabilities to a broad range of resources and support services.
• Maintain a caseload and maintain regular contact to support progress on goals.

Professional Development

• Pursue ongoing professional and personal development by attending educational opportunities, workshops, and conferences.

Performance Metrics

• Maintains 70% -85% of their time logged in CILs database for time engaged with consumers.
• Achieve an average satisfaction rating of 85% or higher from students and families regarding services received.
• Maintain regular monthly contact with 95% accuracy on case notes.
• Carry a minimum caseload of 30 consumers (small groups/classrooms will be weighted accordingly).
• Complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education and training annually related to your role.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present information in a clear, concise manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as a team player.
• Superb organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to advocate effectively and assertively with participants with disabilities and the community without controlling or inserting your own choices.
• Ability to advise, encourage, inform, empathize, and build trust with consumers.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity, take initiative, and display responsible decision-making.
• Ability to ensure adequate recording and reporting of case management information.

Minimum Qualifications

• Personal experience with a disability is preferred.
• Literacy in word processing and data entry.
• Ability to use or learn Microsoft Office programs: Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining organization and meeting deadlines.
• Professional manner in dress and when interacting with others both inside and outside of the organization.
• Personal experience and/or intimate knowledge of and belief in the Independent Living Philosophy.
• Self-motivated.
• Reliable transportation and a willingness to work early morning, evening and some weekend hours, if needed.
• Knowledge of educational and employment disparities for the youth with disabilities encounter.
• Knowledge and understanding of disability, including severe mental illness, severe emotional/behavioral disabilities, and childhood-related substance use disorders.
• Ability to utilize resources for research and connecting with other organizations or community partners.
• Bi-lingual preferred, but not mandatory.

Compensation and benefits

Salaried Non-Exempt: 26 bi-weekly pay dates, working 37.5 to 40 hours per week to meet results.

Salary Range: based on experience $37,800 - $40,824.

Supportive Work Culture: Be part of an inclusive, compassionate, and respectful work environment that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional growth.

Mileage and Expense Reimbursement: All job-related mileage and qualifying expenses are reimbursed.

Performance-Based Work Model: Complete autonomy in determining how and when to meet your work outcomes, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Full Benefits Package:

• 2 weeks of PTO, accrued over 26 pay periods, available after 90 days
• 2 weeks of sick/wellness time, accrued over 26 pay periods, available immediately, upon accrual
• 14 observed holidays, including a floating holiday
• Holiday Gift Week, paid time off between Christmas and New Years
• 401K program with employer match, currently 3%, with ROTH option.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, partially covered by RAMP
• Vision and Dental insurance coverage, dental partially covered by RAMP
• Life Insurance Coverage, covered by RAMP
• Supplemental Voluntary Coverage options including Accident, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, Identity Theft Protection, and Legal Assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all family members

Work and Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each office location.