Youth Empowerment Specialist for Solid Ground Supportive Housing Program

Location: Chicago || Humboldt Park, Chicago, IL, 60647

Skills: La Casa Norte’s Mission is to serve youth and families confronting homelessness. We provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities. La Casa Norte’s mission and philosophy of service are to impact the social issues of homelessness at the individual and community levels.

The Solid Ground Supportive Housing Program is aimed at transforming the lives of homeless, at-risk male youth, ages 18-21, by providing them with the stability, support, and guidance they need to become thriving members of society. Program participants will receive comprehensive case management services focusing on a holistic, strength-based approach, as well as educational and vocational training. This is a union position.

Expected Goals and Objectives

Goal One

• Maintain professional relationships with all residents
• Supervise and ensure safety of the milieu
• Communicate in a timely and accurate fashion within the program
• Support and implement the policies and philosophies of the program and of La Casa Norte
• Utilize de-escalation and crisis intervention skills when needed
  
  

• Engage youth in discussions relevant to goals, strengths, and barriers to stability
• Participate in weekly staff meetings and case review meetings
• Follow through with specific service plan goals
  
  

• Model effective and respectful communication with residents and staff
• Create and foster leadership opportunities for youth
• Provide life skills workshops to youth
  
  

• Lead residents in the upkeep of Solid Ground
• Clean and sanitize areas as needed
  
  

• A bachelor’s degree is preferable, but not required, with relevant experience
• Demonstrated desire and ability to work with homeless, runaway, and at-risk urban youth
• Knowledge regarding the social, economic, and cultural patterns of Latino and African American populations
• Willingness to work in a diverse environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed -Weekends are a must (Days or Nights)