Youth Social Worker (MSW)

Description About Us Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is a fast-paced, community-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to fostering the integration of the low-income, Pan-Asian immigrant and refugee community into the United States. Established in 1981, CMAA has been a cornerstone of the Uptown community, providing programming for generations of low-income youth, adults, and senior citizens. We offer direct services, including afterschool & youth mentorship programming, job training & placement, elder care services, and social services such as citizenship & housing services.

Job Description

Chinese Mutual Aid Association is seeking a full-time, salary exempt Youth Social Worker (MSW) to support the immigrant origin youth served across CMAA’s youth development programs. This includes stewarding social-emotional learning across all youth programs, upskilling and developing the youth-serving team, and providing direct support to students in our afterschool and mentoring programs. Additionally, in collaboration with program leadership, the Youth Social Worker (MSW) will be responsible for designing and implementing a regularly-occurring, comprehensive needs assessment for all CMAA youth programs. The needs assessment will determine the gaps in service for youth and their families, and will outline how CMAA’s youth department can improve programming to better meet those needs. This position is grant-funded for at least one year, with continuation dependent on performance and available funding. Essential Functions & Responsibilities Support the social emotional development of youth attending CMAA’s Diverse Young Leaders after-school and summer camp programs. Develop and facilitate small group activities exploring topics including but not limited to the following: coping skills, emotional regulation and executive functioning, belongingness, community, and self-compassion. Provide one-on-one support to students in developmental areas related to academic achievement so that each student can identify personal strengths, interests, goals, and how to act on them. Facilitate conflict resolution conversations between students and/or parents using restorative practices. Act as a substitute or provide in-class behavioral support for classroom coordinators. Work with contracted LCSWs to provide parent leadership program support as necessary. Develop and provide match support assistance for Young Women Warriors and Young Men Making Moves mentoring programs. Following Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring, develop a consistent, sustainable match support process for one-to-one mentoring. Assist mentoring staff in facilitating first match meetings as needed. Develop and facilitate relevant mentor training sessions throughout the year, with a target goal of one per quarter. Support mentors, mentees, and families during crisis situations. Design and implement needs assessments and compliance surveys for youth department programming. Create new surveys and refine existing surveys for youth, parents, and staff. Facilitate small group discussions, focus groups, or informal conversations. Collect data on demographics, social determinants, and needs. Facilitate survey collection of youth, parents, staff, and community members. In partnership with the Youth Department Manager, organize and analyze data. Collaborate with the Youth Department Manager to support team professional development in areas related to social emotional learning, neurodiverse-affirming practices, classroom management, restorative practices, trauma-responsive practices, and more. Write case notes for services provided to CMAA youth, consistently keeping CMAA staff abreast through formal and informal protocols of student successes and challenges, as well as ideas to better support student development. Provide referrals for students and families as relevant. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

We’re looking for a candidate who has: Masters of Social Work or equivalent degree required, LSW/LCSW or PEL preferred. Experience working with children/families required. Relevant experience in mentoring and/or afterschool programs is preferred. Experience conducting needs assessments and data collection is highly preferred. Experience helping families navigate the Chicago Public Schools system is highly preferred. The ability to work with diverse populations, specifically immigrant and refugee communities. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Proficiency in another language (specifically Vietnamese, Spanish, or Amharic) and a valid driver’s license with access to a car is a plus, but not required. Other Requirements All staff who provide direct services to youth are required to pass three background checks: Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) National Sex Offender Registry (FBI fingerprint check) Criminal background check (Checkr) If a staff member will drive students, they must also complete a motor vehicle background check and provide proof of insurance. Some evening and weekend hours will be required. Work Environment This job operates in a clerical, office setting and out in the community. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. This job requires lifting up to 15 pounds. Perks Opportunities for growth and to give back to communities Fun, high-energy culture Relaxed dress code Access to an exceptional leadership team A dedicated and philosophy-aligned department team To Apply All applications must be submitted through Paylocity. Any applications received via email will be directed to complete the online application. Please, no phone calls. Chinese Mutual Aid Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.