Youth Services Specialist

at RAMP Regional Access & Mobilization Project in

Rockford, Illinois, United States Job Description Youth Services Specialist Organization Info :

RAMP Disability Resources & Services is a non-residential Center for Independent Living with a mission to build an inclusive community that encourages individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. RAMP's work is guided by our commitments to inclusion, participation, accountability, and autonomy.

Purpose of Position :

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 Manager.

Position Location:

Hybrid work opportunity! Home office is located in DeKalb, IL. A significant portion of the work is conducted within DeKalb 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. Transition and Skill Development Teach transition-aged students essential skills for adulthood, including self-advocacy, job exploration, workplace readiness, post-secondary counseling, and independent living. Promote acceptance and belonging for youth with disabilities. Facilitate programs and curricula that support successful transitions into adulthood. 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. 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 that 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. Bilingual preferred, but not mandatory. To view full details and how to apply, please login or create a Job Seeker account