UP4Youth Program Specialist

To successfully perform this job, an individual must believe in and act in accordance with the Agency’s mission/vision statements, adopted theoretical frameworks, and philosophy, and adequately carry out each essential duty. The requirements below outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to assist individuals with disabilities in performing the essential functions. In accordance with our “team” philosophy, the person in this position may occasionally be required to perform or assist with tasks beyond the duties listed in this job description.

Direct Services:

• Enroll eligible youth into the program, completing/collecting intake paperwork and related documents upon enrollment. Provide orientations and conduct comprehensive assessments of each participant’s needs, strengths, and barriers to independence. Develop ISPs to address these needs.
• Provide ongoing case management. Manage ISPs and related documents, checking in regularly with participants (at least weekly) on their progress toward self-identified goals. Adjust ISPs as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
• Offer one-on-one coaching, mentorship, life skills workshops, and group support to help participants develop life skills (budgeting, time management, goal setting, etc.), self-esteem, and self-care plans.
• Help youth identify and access community resources and supportive services relevant to their specific needs, including housing, employment, public benefits, and mental health services, to maximize client self-sufficiency and overall well-being.
• Provide immediate support and intervention in crisis situations.
• Work with participants to develop employment readiness and workforce-related skills, define employment goals, and secure and maintain employment.
• Assist participants in securing and maintaining housing and connect them with emergency shelter options when needed.
• Serve as an advocate for participants in accessing housing, healthcare, education, employment, and other essential services, and advocate for youth within systems such as schools, the juvenile justice system, and foster care. Help them understand and navigate these complex systems to build self-confidence and develop self-advocacy skills, becoming more self-reliant.
• Support the management of the UP4Youth Internship Program. Recruit, train, and support internship worksites. Prepare and place youth in internships at worksites and oversee and support their progress throughout. Complete periodic internship and worksite assessments and surveys at determined intervals.
• Support the management of the UP4Youth Mentor Program. Recruit and train mentors and collect/maintain documentation of their qualifications and clearances. Match youth with mentors based on their unique experiences, employment, education, and life goals. Oversee mentoring relationships to ensure they receive appropriate time and support.
• Promote and manage youth and mentor support groups at determined intervals. Ensure the discussion topics support their unique, collective
• Support the development and management of the UP4Youth Ambassador program. Recruit, train, and support ambassadors to serve as peer mentors, participate in UP4Youth/Allies and other community events, and help co-facilitate peer support groups.
• Plan, facilitate, and support UP4Youth workshops and events to ensure high turnout, active engagement, and beneficial outcomes.
• Support the maintenance of the UP4Youth social media account and other resource platforms for the UP4Youth
• Other duties as
• Evening and weekend work required.

Interagency and Cross-Departmental Collaboration:

• Work in collaboration with the Development and Volunteer Coordinator to recruit a diverse pool of inclusive and affirming prospective UP4Youth mentors.
• Work in collaboration with the Development and Communications team to promote/communicate events and workshops to participants, mentors, and the community.
• Partner with the Director of Early Care and Education, the Mental Health Director, and the Healthy Families Allies Program Manager to coordinate services for pregnant or parenting TAY.
• Collaborate with the Early Education Administrative & Family Engagement Manager and the Development and Volunteer Coordinator to secure and distribute concrete resources (food, hygiene products, clothes, etc.) for participants.

Quality and Performance Improvement:

• Manage, maintain, and update participant files, complete and update case records, and perform other administrative duties as required.
• Ensure timely, accurate completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual program activity reports, as well as other required documentation.
• Attend and participate in all mandated trainings, work groups, UP4Youth activities, focus groups, and staff development/training activities to enhance skills and develop professional knowledge.
• Support audits, reporting, and quality improvement efforts.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Juvenile Probation, Los Angeles County Office of Education, and community-based organizations to support youth/TAY needs.
• Build partnerships with community-based organizations and groups to recruit inclusive, affirming mentors. Strive to recruit mentors who come from similar backgrounds, culture, and/or experiences as UP4Youth participants.
• Develop partnerships with businesses/organizations to secure employment and internship opportunities for youth.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations and government entities to recruit eligible youth aged 16 and above to participate in the UP4Youth program.
• Network with community members, employment programs, and businesses to build employment and internship opportunities.
• Represent Allies in community stakeholder or partner meetings and forums as needed.
• Maintain effective relationships with public and private organizations, including county departments, advocacy groups, and community-based organizations.