This position is located within the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), Office of the Chief of Staff, Achievement Centers, Community Engagement Division. The mission of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is to give court-involved youth the opportunity to become more productive citizens by building on the strengths of youths and their families in the least restrictive, most homelike environment consistent with public safety.
The core principles of the Achievement Center include: 1) a strength-based approach that values each youth's worth, 2) the significance of family and adult relationships, 3) fostering positive and ongoing engagement with families, peers, and communities, 4) involving youth in age-appropriate activities that promote resilience, self-efficacy, and a positive self-image, and 5) recognizing that youth needs are best met through individualized service delivery. The Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) position is specifically tailored for individuals to offer peer support and advocacy to young people facing similar challenges.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent facilitates youth-led group counseling sessions and offers informal peer mentoring and support to DYRS youth. Reviews and provides input on proposed legislation affecting District youth, particularly those involved with the court system. Organizes and coordinates weekly and monthly youth events, including recreational, cultural, and enrichment activities during after-school hours, school breaks, and weekends. Participates in the development of ongoing initiatives that promote positive youth development, such as youth summits, digital literacy assessments, public health resource fairs, financial literacy workshops, and voter registration Q&A sessions. Participates and assists in the preparation and facilitation of orientation for new DYRS employees. Assists in administering pre and post surveys for youth and families. Accompanies young people on field trips and adventure excursions. The Youth/Peer Advocate attends Youth Family Team Meetings (YFTM) as needed, collaborates with the youth care coordinator to prepare them for active participation. Identifies and builds relationships with community resources, assists all DYRS departments in outreach efforts.
Qualifications and Education
Specialized Experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.
Licenses and Certifications
The incumbent is required to possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Working Conditions / Environment
Work is performed within a secure facility, office setting and in the community. Incumbent will be subject to all kinds of weather, in a vehicle, driving in heavy traffic. The work is not sedentary. The position requires visitations to program sites. Walking and performing work within a secure institutional environment is required. May require crisis intervention.
Other Significant Facts:
Tour of Duty: Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM with every other Friday off.
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0301-07
Duration of Appointment: Career Service - Regular Appointment
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is a part of American Federation of Government Employees Local 383 Union (AFGE). You may be required to have union dues or other applicable fees deducted from your salary.
Position Designation: This position has been deemed Safety Sensitive. Pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations; in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying Safety Sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests:
- Criminal background check;
- Traffic record check (as applicable);
- Pre-employment drug and alcohol test;
- Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test;
- Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test;
- Random drug and alcohol test; and
- Return-to-duty or follow-up drug and alcohol test.
In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.
Career Pathways Statement: This position is part of the Pathway to Government Employment Partnership Program. District residents who received a high school diploma from the District of Columbia Public Schools or a District public charter school or received a GED or its equivalent from the District of Columbia will receive priority consideration for this entry-level position. Applicants must provide a high school transcript, GED certificate, high school diploma, or other applicable documentation along with verification of District residency before the District Government may extend a final offer of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.
