Youth Development Counselor, Hopeworks

Posted by on February 12, 2007

[emailed 2/12/07]

Hopeworks Youth Development Counselor

If you meet the requirements for this job please e mail a cover letter and resume to job@hopeworks.org. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Hopeworks ?N Camden

Hopeworks (<a href="http://www.hopeworks.org">http://www.hopeworks.org</a>) is an innovative and successful youth development organization located in Camden, New Jersey?a city where 2 out of 3 youth never make it through high school and half of the young people live in poverty. Our vision is to empower youth to identify and develop their dreams (Dynamic, Realizable Efforts to Attain and Maintain Success) and own their future. The central task of Hopeworks is to empower youth with the skills and confidence necessary to build their future. Hopeworks accomplishes this mission through a multi – part program:

* An advanced technology-training program with two tracks?web site design and geographic information services (GIS).
* Two non-profit businesses that generate revenue and provide trainees with opportunities to work on real client projects as part of their training.
* A comprehensive and trainee-centered Formation Program designed to help youth identify their dreams and then take the necessary steps to reach them.
* A Literacy Program that works one-on-one and in small groups with youth to improve their literacy and math skills.
* Hopeworks has a Day Trainee program for youth who are no longer in high school and an after school program called Hope Through School (HTS).

Counselor ? Youth Development

Hopeworks has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and innovative counselor to help make a difference in the lives of at-risk teens in Camden. At Hopeworks the Youth Development Counselor knows and works with all trainees from intake through development and implementation of a Personal Development Plan for each youth. You will work closely with all youth to develop their own vision for their future, and then meet with them individually every week to review their plans and to hold them accountable for making progress. Our counselor communicates and coordinates the plans for all youth with other Hopeworks staff. In addition you will serve as a crisis counselor for youth, assessing their needs and referring them to other agencies as needed. You will also manage reports, work with grants and connect with other agencies throughout Camden.

Responsibilities include:
? Interview trainees during their first contact with Hopeworks.
? Perform needs assessment for all trainees upon their entrance to Hopeworks training program.
? Work with each trainee to develop their own Personal Development Plan.
? Monitor progress of plans, including progress in Hopeworks training program, school performance, and the implementation of their own action plans.
? Serve as a crisis counselor for trainees, referring them to other social agencies as needed.
? Coordinate Hopeworks E-Mentoring Program.
? Work with trainees and Literacy Director to ensure smooth college application and financial aid application process.
? Manage trainee database.
? Grant Management.

Job Requirements
Bachelor Degree in Social Work or comparable experience in youth development.

Minimum one year of professional experience in a youth development organization working with at-risk teens and young adults.

Ability to motivate youth and hold them accountable.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Excellent organizational skills.

Good computer skills are also essential, with experience with Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel preferred.

Competitive Salary and Benefit Program.