Youth Services Specialist

ABOUT THIS JOB: Are you looking to make a difference in the world? Do you enjoy helping others? Here at New Horizons, we believe in empowering people of all abilities to reach their full potential. Our clients (we call them Members) are folks with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). We believe they can and should lead healthy, productive lives and contribute to the community in which they live. We know that they might need a bit of support to do this, and that's where you come in.

JOB DESCRIPTION : A Youth Services Specialist (YSS) is someone who works with youth with disabilities to help provide them with the skills and experience to achieve ultimate success in the workplace. You are an advocate for people with IDD and other disabilities. In your role, you'll empower young people by teaching them Pre-Employment Transition Skills.

SUMMARY: The Primary role for the Youth Services Specialist (YSS) is to support New Horizons' youth program in the schools, and in the community by creating a welcoming, active and outcome-oriented experience for young adults with disabilities. You will work with your colleagues, and each individual Member's circle of support to understand their unique needs and abilities, and help support them on the pathway to competitive, integrated employment.

RATE: $20.00 - $22.00 Hourly

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

1. In collaboration with the Youth Services Manager (YSM), implements and refines curriculum for training students with disabilities in high schools, with a focus on travel training and employment preparation.
2. Tracks all clients receiving services, and provides an update to the YSM, as well as the data management team, to track attendance, "graduation" from the program, and generalized outcomes.
3. Supports promoting the New Horizons agency so that graduates from high school know about NH, and potential programs and services in the community. This includes attending Life After High School and other informational fairs and events.
4. Develops and maintains strong partnerships with teaching staff and administration at local high schools and colleges. Creates and maintains excellent communication with the individuals at the referenced educational centers.
5. Coordinates training schedules between participants, trainers, and host facilities. Is flexible with students and families to ensure a priority on successfully completing authorized hours with each Member.
6. Provides and/or oversees in-person training to clients with a focus on travel training on public transportation systems.
7. Ensures that assessments and curriculum are individualized to the clients' needs by utilizing best practice and evidence-based principles.
8. Communicates effectively with YSM, students, families and other stakeholders.
9. Works closely with the other NH departments to transition supports and services as needed.
10. Takes detailed notes on work with Members, and submits progress notes and tracking sheets monthly to YSM.
11. Encourages Members to advocate for themselves and others.
12. Early evening and weekend availability is required to accommodate student schedules.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

1. Attends meetings as directed/required.
2. Supports the Agency's mission and partners with others to accomplish the mission.
3. Maintains the highest professional and ethical standards at all times.
4. Maintains proficiency in computer applications and databases as required for this position.
5. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must speak English (bi-lingual is encouraged)

• Bachelors' Degree or equivalent
• Experience with special needs / developmental disabilities (preferred)
• Driver's License for 3+ years required. Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Qualification

Bachelor's Degree