Prevention Specialist
Matrix Human Services is Educating Children, Supporting Families and Rebuilding Neighborhoods in Detroit.
Operating multiple programs in more than 35 Detroit locations, Matrix provides services to more than 25,000 individuals and families annually and operates the largest Head Start program in Detroit serving more than 1,900 children.
CORE VALUES:
- Being of Service
- Building Relationships
- Always Learning
- Committed to Results
JOB SUMMARY/ACCOUNTABILITY:
The duties of the Prevention Specialist will be to work, plan, coordinate, and provide individual and group intervention and prevention services to at-risk youth, ages 7-17. This includes a specific focus in preventing and addressing homelessness, at-risk behavior, and those in danger of entering the juvenile justice system.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan, coordinate and provide a range of activities for youth including: Group and individual counseling; academic assistance; mentoring; career development activities, computer skills; recreational activities; cultural activities; community service activity; arts and crafts; field trips; and speakers and presentations.
- Work a 40 hour work week that is flexible depending upon the activities and needs of the program. After school hours, weekends, and evenings may will be required. This includes 8-12 hours of direct service with clients.
- Keep accurate data/progress notes regarding clients
- Conduct assessments, screening, and interviews with clients.
- Maintain case files including: intake forms; assessment data; client release forms; attendance and participation forms and all progress notes.
- Maintain strict confidentiality concerning information gained through client interviews and program participation.
- Maintain a caseload of clients as assigned by the Program Manager.
- Develop individual case plans for each client assigned.
- Ensure resident records are in accordance with the Department of Community Justice, COA licensure and Matrix PQI standards.
- Participate in staff meetings and any other meetings necessary for doing the job.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Works with youth to goals and provide case management services as needed.
- Prepares and facilitates appropriate academic activities (including homework completion.)
- Provides direct academic support to designated students.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Bachelor’s Degree (or set to graduate within three months with a BA) in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or socially is required with preferably one year of relevant experience (volunteer and/or paid) working with young adults/youth.
- Michigan Driver’s License
- Current Vehicle Insurance
- Able to work flexible hours
- Strong writing skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks
- Ability to travel to local schools and local community activities
- Youth Career Development/Workforce Development/Career Exploration experience preferred
- Full proficiency in Microsoft suite including: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
- Experience using search engines and databases to complete case notes, find resources, and help students with research assignments as needed.
- Ability to take ownership and showcase interpersonal skillset
- Highly effective problem solving ability
- Self-driven with the ability to recognize improvement on processes and take initiative to execute changes
- Focused attention to detail, well-organized and demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple-tasks, achieve desired results and adapt favorably to changing priorities
- Be flexible and available to interact with employees at all levels
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
WORKING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Works in a normal office environment with usual pressures of managing personnel and dealing with time constraints. Because of multiple sites within the department and the need to meet with others within the community, it is common to drive to several locations, sometimes in inclement weather.
*COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: Matrix Human Services complies with federal, state, and local laws regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Candidates will be required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for exemptions to this requirement in accordance with applicable law.
CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND ETHICAL CONDUCT:
- All staff will use data to help achieve program goals; apply techniques and strategies that promote a culture of learning; identify and address gaps that continuously improve our programs
- All personnel of Matrix must adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and incorporate Continuous Quality Improvement efforts into their everyday performance
- All Head Start employees must adhere to the federal regulations and requirements for Head Start operations including the Program Performance Standards, licensing regulations, and the NAEYC Code of Conduct
- Demonstrate and actively promote an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of Matrix Human Services
Matrix Human Services is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Matrix Human Services is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@matrixhs.org. Michigan law requires that a person with a disability or handicap requiring accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job must notify the employer in writing within 182 days of the date that the need is known or should have been known.