Student Support Specialist I - Portland Impact

Portland Impact is a non-profit agency helping people achieve and maintain self-sufficiency and to prevent and alleviate the effects of poverty. We are looking for a motivated individual to join our Children, Youth and Family Program.

To apply for this position please visit our website where you can download our application. 

The application, your resume and cover letter can be sent to [email protected].

Entry Wage: $12.20 to $13.94/hr - Full Time

JOB SUMMARY: The SSSES (Social and Support Services for Educational Success) Student Support Specialist works under the direction of the Youth Program Manager and is responsible for providing support services to students ages 12-17 who are at risk of dropping out of school, with the goal of helping students get back in or remain in school. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide outreach and case management services including development of a strength-based client relationship, comprehensive needs and strengths assessment, client referral and advocacy, service coordination, development of outcome based support plans and follow-up.

Develop and facilitate skill development classes for 10-12 students at a time, within the school environment.

Advocate for both youth and their family members within the community. 

Effectively collaborate with other Portland Impact programs, schools, social service organizations and community groups.

Work within the school environment to outreach to teachers, other school personnel, parents and students to obtain appropriate program referrals.

Develop and maintain a working knowledge of best practices for prevention and intervention services for issues related to poverty, homelessness, juvenile delinquency, family dysfunction and school failure.

Effectively interact with a diverse population of volunteers, staff, and community members.

Complete accurate, legible, and timely documentation of services delivered in accordance with the agency’s management information system.

Meet program service standards set forth by the Children, Youth and Family Services Director regarding quantity, type, and quality of services to be delivered to clients.

Attend ongoing training for the curriculum used in the school classroom setting.

Attend agency and community meetings and trainings as required.

Travel to various schools and worksites within outer SE Portland (primarily Lane and Marshall).

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of experience and training that would likely meet the following requirements:

Associate degree or equivalent in social work, child development or related field

Minimum of two (2) years experience in a human services, social work or related field, preferably working with low-income youth;

Familiarity with SE Portland cultures and communities;

Strong classroom/small group management skills;

Excellent capacity for connecting positively with adolescent youth;

Ability to effectively work within a strength-based, integrated family support service delivery system;

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;

Computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite;

Strong organizational and time-management skills and ability to prioritize and complete multiple and varied tasks;

Sensitivity and ability to relate to people from diverse lifestyles, socioeconomic levels, and cultures;

Willingness to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and occasional weekends;

Willingness to work as a team member and support the mission and goals of Portland Impact.

PREFERRED BUT NOT REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor degree in social work or related field;

Bilingual/Bicultural (English/Spanish)

THIS JOB ALSO REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

Repetitive motion, prolonged sitting, and extensive visual involvement;

Frequent climbing of stairs;

Orally communicate with others;

Ability to efficiently travel within the agency’s service area;

Moderate lifting.