Hopeworks Formation Director/Youth Advocate

Posted by on January 16, 2004

Hopeworks Formation Director/Youth Advocate

Position description:
Hopeworks (<a href="http://www.hopeworks.org">http://www.hopeworks.org</a>) seeks a motivated, compassionate individual to act as a counselor, advisor and advocate for Hopeworks trainees. This position is a youth development position.

Hopeworks program context:
Hopeworks in Camden is a nonprofit business that provides computer training to Camden youth. Trainees, aged 14-23, come to Hopeworks from pastor referrals, parole programs, etc. Trainees may encounter numerous obstacles in starting and continuing their training, including child care, health care, disputes with domestic partners over time spent on training, poor living situations, anger management issues, etc. Many trainees have caseworkers of some sort through welfare programs, parole programs, or DYFS; however, most trainees need some additional guidance to help them properly follow programs set up for them by caseworkers, and to address any issues that might prevent them from obtaining education or employment.

The youth advocate would develop personal formation profiles for each trainee that clearly lay out three month, six month and year end goals. The youth advocate aligns these goals with the Hopeworks training program and in consultation with the Executive Director and staff, helps to implement an individual training program for each Hopeworks? trainee.

Duties:
Perform needs assessment for trainees as they enter the Hopeworks program. Continuously work with each trainee to resolve issues that may inhibit them from pursuing education and employment. Typical issues will include health care, transportation, child care, literacy, etc. Resolution may involve working with whatever caseworker(s) the trainee may already have.

1. Create initial intake folder with basic information?services already being provided, family situation, goal assessment.
2. Create personal formation profile for each trainee.
3. Work with each trainee one on one to develop and implement an individual training and formation plan. Coordinate plan with trainers. Monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
4. Monitor progress of personal formation plan?including grades, and communicate important details to staff.
5. Manage small production teams and trainee projects so as to build accomplish, strengthen and enhance personal formation goals of each trainee.
6. Follow up on ?no-show? trainees (those who have failed to come to training sessions) to determine the cause of their non-appearance. Track reasons for non-completion of program, and work with Executive Director and trainers to develop strategies for helping trainees to complete the entire program.
7. Serve as crisis counselor for trainees, referring them to other social work professionals as necessary.
? Familiarization with neighborhood and city wide youth services
? Familiarization with Juvenile Justice System and processes
8. Serve as education counselor helping trainee to succeed in both high school and college, including assisting trainee in the registration, financial aid and advising processes
9. Coach trainees on necessary skills in the work environment, including being on-time, appropriate dress and appropriate behavior
10. Responsible for maintaining various outside contacts such as Weed and Seed group, service resources and educational resources
11. Coordinate the Hopeworks E-Mentoring Program
12. Manage the Hope Through School Program
? Coordinate training staff of HTS
? Manage progress of HTS youth
? Create culture of learning for HTS youth
13. Manage time clock system and call in payroll
14. Help file grant reports

Hours:
? Five days a week: 10:am-6:30pm

Direct Supervisor: Executive Director

Benefits: Health care package provided

Please send resume to: Father Jeff Putthoff, SJ
543 State Street
Camden, NJ 08102