Human Services Specialist II - Bilingual Youth Development Counselor

Human Services Specialist II

Bilingual Youth Development Counselor - William Ramsay Elementary School

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter square miles in the city have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Human Services Specialist II position.

An Overview

The Human Services Specialist II provides individualized developmental services and family supports that promote the development of youth and increase the self-sufficiency of families through in-school and community-based evaluations, crisis intervention, supportive counseling and referral services for students and families from Alexandria City Public Schools and other community locations. Provide case management, consultative and direct services to elementary school youth and families, in need of early intervention. Implement appropriate youth development programs; including evidence-based programs that serve to promote protective factors that promote educational success and help students resist pressure to participate in risk behaviors, including the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Tasks are performed in accordance with established policies and procedures, under supervision.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have the ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations; Ability to work effectively with students having emotional, social, family, behavioral, alcohol/drug or other related problems; Ability to lead skills building, leadership and/or mentorship groups with youth; Ability to replicate evidence-based youth development programs; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, parents, co-workers, community partners and the general public; Ability to work in a community-based setting; Ability to provide guidance and assistance to volunteers; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other professionals and with the general public, both orally and in writing; Ability to track and enter data accurately; Good knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development; Good knowledge of adolescent risk behaviors, including substance use; Good knowledge of area health, legal, social and other services.

The Opportunity

• Collaborate with youth serving professionals on a continuous basis for initial assessments and ongoing case consultations;
  
• Assesses child and family needs and develops comprehensive plan of supports and services;
  
• Actively monitors and coordinates early intervention services through face to face meetings and telephone conferences that include the family and other student support services and community partners;
  
• Monitors and evaluates youth and family satisfaction with services and progress toward outcomes;
  
• Advocates for youth and families’ needs by maintaining collaborative relationships with area youth serving agencies using a multi-systemic approach;
  
• Provide mediation, positive youth development coaching and mentoring and referral services for school aged children and their families;
  
• Lead skills-building, leadership and mentoring programs for youth and implement evidence-based youth development program(s);
  
• Supervise teen employees in youth leadership programs;
  
• Develop goals, objectives and evaluation plan for all activities, in collaboration with supervisor;
  
• Implement national, community and school-based youth development campaigns;
  
• Conducts community outreach and awareness activities on youth development topics;
  
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  

About the Department

The Center for Children and Families (CCF) provides programs and services for Behavioral Health, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Child Welfare & Child Protective Services, Early Childhood and Youth Development. CCF provides compassionate, collaborative and effective person and family-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety, recovery and resiliency for Alexandria children and all residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or a related field; three years of experience in the provision of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services, including some experience at the level of Caseworker; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of their residence.

Preferred Qualifications

At least one year of experience working with youth having emotional, social, family, behavioral, alcohol/drug or other related problems. At least one year of experience leading skills building, leadership and/or mentorship groups with youth. At least one year of experience replicating evidence-based youth development programs. At least one year of experience working in a school setting. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other professionals and with the general public, both orally and in writing. Intermediate word processing skills. Bilingual (English-Spanish, Arabic, Amharic and/or Farsi).

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; Verification of education/certifications; Drug screening; and Driver's license.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM, some evenings and weekends.