Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well-being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data-informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions.

The Youth Crisis Worker is a critical member of the Youth Services team, providing crisis intervention services to runaway and homeless youth and their families on an on-call basis. As a Youth Crisis Worker, you will rely on your ability to quickly build rapport, listen nonjudgmentally, facilitate effective communication through conflict, and partner with youth and families to help them negotiate solutions that work for their individual circumstances. Youth Crisis Workers sign up for at least eight flexible shifts per month based on their personal availability; shifts may include holidays. During on-call shifts, Youth Crisis Workers respond in-person to police departments to provide crisis intervention services to youth who have run away, been locked out, or are without a safe place to stay. During crisis intervention, Youth Crisis Workers meet with youth and parents to understand both perspectives, facilitate effective communication, and help the family negotiate a safe and appropriate solution, complete initial assessments of safety and protective factors to help inform the crisis intervention process, and may transport youth to temporary placements, using a personal vehicle (mileage expenses reimbursed by agency).

Core Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:

• Responds to all police calls and appropriate referrals within the program timeframes.
• Provides information and referrals to non-mandated youth and families.
• Acts as a mediator/negotiator for families requiring crisis intervention.
• Assesses for safety risks, creates safety plans and refers to mental health and/or child welfare professionals when necessary.
• Develops a temporary alternate placement arrangement for youth who cannot return home, within program policy and guidelines and when authorized by the Coordinator or Supervisor.
• Delivers supportive services to clients including transportation, as required by the program.
• Writes case notes and completes intake paperwork, safety screens, crisis stabilization plans and other documentation.
• Participates in an on-call schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Works under the direct guidance and supervision of an assigned staff member.
• Completes all documentation requirements

Candidate qualifications:

• At least two years of college coursework in Social Work or a related field, OR two years of experience working with youth and families in a trauma-informed setting, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. (All candidates must have at least high school diploma/GED.)
• Availability to respond in-person to crisis calls (within 60-90 minutes depending on location).
• Valid driver's license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle required.
• Excellent skills at communicating effectively and empathically, even in a high-conflict situation.

Job details:

• Compensation: Hourly: Range is between $18-$20/hr. The salary range provided represents our current estimate for this role at the time of posting and is subject to change. The final salary will be determined based on a range of factors, including but not limited to, a candidate's relevant experience, education, qualifications, skills, certifications, and alignment with organizational needs. We are dedicated to fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to fostering a diverse workforce while providing equal opportunities for all candidates.
• Location: crisis intervention is provided in-person in police departments in Madison, St. Clair, Bond, Clinton, Washington, Jersey, Greene, Calhoune, Montgomery, and Macoupin Counties (Southern Illinois); documentation and some meetings may occur remotely.
• Schedule: Part-time, on-call; weekday shifts are 8:30am-5pm, holidays shifts are 24 hours 9am-9am.
• We don’t just hire talent—we grow it: Emerging Leaders will have access to leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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