Youth Advisor - Violence Reduction Program (VRP) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Wisconsin Community Services

At WCS , we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive , regardless of their past. We stand at the intersection of justice, compassion, and opportunity , walking alongside individuals who face barriers like mental health challenges, substance use, criminal justice involvement, and systemic inequities .

We're not just offering jobswere building life-changing relationships that empower individuals to reclaim their futures.

Why WCS?

• Youll be part of a mission-driven team changing lives across Milwaukee and beyond.
• Youll receive training, mentorship, and growth opportunities to help you thrive in your role and your career.
• Youll witness the power of transformation and know that you helped make it happen.

What We Are Looking For

• Provide consistent, professional 1:1 and group mentoring to an assigned caseload of approximately 2025 students.
• Build trusting, positive relationships with youth and families.
• Engage youth in educational, recreational, mentoring, and positive youth development activities.
• Help youth develop strategies to positively connect with school, family, peers, and their community.
• Facilitate mediations and assist youth in resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.
• Provide support and maintain appropriate availability for youth 7 days a week, in accordance with program expectations.
• Provide general recreation and youth support throughout the school year.
• Participate in and coordinate summer activities for VRP participants as assigned.

• Build and maintain professional relationships with MPS administration, school safety personnel, social workers, guidance counselors, teachers, and other school staff.
• Develop positive working relationships with community partners and organizations.
• Professionally participate in agency, school, and community meetings.
• Attend agency events and functions, including Town Halls.
• Work collaboratively with the Site Supervisor, VRP Co-Program Directors, MPS leadership, and other WCS staff.

• Complete all required WCS and MPS training within established timelines, including training related to mandated reporting, trauma-informed care, ethics and boundaries, mentoring, cultural humility, and other required topics.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in WCS and MPS data systems, including AWARDS and other required databases.
• Ensure data is entered accurately and on time to support program tracking, reporting, performance metrics, and contract requirements.
• Assist with meeting program goals, benchmarks, and annual MPS Performance Metrics.
• Report program concerns, including personnel-related matters, to the appropriate Program Director.
• Maintain confidentiality of all youth and family information in written and verbal communications.
• Review, sign, and follow WCS policies and procedures through PowerDMS.
• Participate in regular team meetings with the Site Supervisor and Co-Program Directors.
• Uphold and promote a positive, supportive, and accountable culture for youth, families, staff, and program leaders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Provide safe and reliable transportation for youth when required, in accordance with Wisconsin traffic laws and WCS policies and procedures.
• Travel between assigned locations as needed. This position performs work at 7 locations.

• Is passionate about working with youth and supporting positive change.
• Can serve as a positive role model for young people.
• Demonstrates accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
• Works effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Communicates respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Is comfortable working independently while also seeking guidance and support when needed.
• Can manage confidential information appropriately.
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Is organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Values cultural humility, inclusion, and respect for youth and families.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 12 years of experience working with justice-involved youth and/or in youth services, mentoring, reporting, quality assurance, customer service, or a related field.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, typing, and database applications.
• Advanced organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to multitask and assist others with implementing procedures and practices.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals of different cultures, languages, socioeconomic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, and other diverse identities.
• Valid driver's license, reliable automobile, and automobile insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements.
• Ability to meet all employment requirements, including professional references, criminal and caregiver background checks and driver's record check.

This role involves providing 1:1 and group mentoring to a caseload of 2025 students, helping youth build positive connections with their schools, families, and communities. Responsibilities include facilitating conflict resolution, organizing recreational and summer activities, and maintaining availability for youth support throughout the week. You will also collaborate closely with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) administration, teachers, and community partners to foster student success.

Candidates must complete all required training, maintain accurate documentation in data systems like AWARDS, and adhere to strict confidentiality policies. The position requires strong relationship-building skills, the ability to meet performance metrics, and travel across seven different locations. Reliable transportation is necessary to safely transport youth and travel between sites in accordance with agency policies.