Reports To: Youth Program Manager
Job Level: Entry-Level
Effective Date: 2/1/2025
Location: Seatac, and Bellevue WA
Purpose of the Role
The Youth Navigator plays a pivotal role in guiding and supporting refugee and immigrant youth, as well as those involved in the juvenile justice system. Through mentorship, program facilitation, and community engagement, the Youth Navigator helps ensure that young people receive the resources and support they need to thrive, pursue positive life paths, and successfully integrate into the community.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Guidance
- Assist refugee, immigrant, and justice-involved youth in identifying and accessing relevant programs and services.
- Provide clear, culturally sensitive guidance to ensure youth understand their options and available resources.
- Mentorship & Support
- Foster a safe, welcoming, and encouraging environment for youth.
- Build trusting, one-on-one relationships to provide emotional support, instill confidence, and promote resilience.
- Use a trauma-informed approach to address complex needs and experiences.
- Resource Coordination
- Collaborate with internal teams (Early Learning, and Health Board) and external organizations (RCP, community organizations) to deliver comprehensive support.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local resources, ensuring timely and effective referrals.
- Juvenile System Engagement
- Work closely with youth currently or formerly involved in the juvenile justice system to facilitate successful reintegration.
- Coordinate with probation officers, legal representatives, and community partners to address individual needs, reduce recidivism, and encourage positive community engagement.
- Sports & Extracurricular Activities
- Encourage youth participation in sports and other extracurricular programs as avenues for personal growth, community integration, and social development.
- Help coordinate events and activities that foster teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging.
- Assessment & Case Management
- Conduct thorough assessments to identify strengths, risks, and needs of each youth.
- Develop individualized diversion plans in collaboration with youth and their families, setting clear goals for rehabilitation and reintegration.
- Provide ongoing case management and support to ensure the successful implementation of diversion plans and integration.
Performance Expectations
- Engagement: Maintain a high level of interaction with youth participants, ensuring consistent communication and meaningful follow-up.
- Outcome Tracking: Monitor and document youth progress, using data to inform continuous improvement of programs and services.
- Collaboration: Actively participate in team meetings, training sessions, and community events, fostering a culture of support and shared learning.
Required Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Familiarity with youth development and community outreach programs
Soft Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities
- Cultural competence, empathy, and patience in working with diverse youth populations
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold professional boundaries
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Youth Development, or a related field preferred
- Experience: Prior experience working with refugee, immigrant, or justice-involved youth is highly desirable
- Certifications: CPR and First Aid certification a plus; bilingual or multilingual abilities also beneficial.
Working Conditions
- This role is primarily based in Seatac, and Bellevue WA, with standard weekday working hours.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet program and community needs.
- Travel within the local community may be necessary for outreach, collaboration, or event participation.
By connecting youth with crucial resources, providing individualized support, and creating pathways for positive engagement, the Youth Navigator plays an essential part in building brighter futures for refugee, immigrant, and justice-involved youth.