Accepting Applications until Filled

About our Team:

Learn and Earn to Achieve Potential (LEAP)™ is a multimillion-dollar national initiative to increase employment and educational opportunities for young people facing some of the greatest challenges on the path to adulthood. The LEAP initiative was partially funded at inception by a grant from the Social Innovation Fund and is now supported by national and local philanthropies.

Focusing on youth who are homeless or highly mobile in the juvenile justice systems and/or foster care, LEAP integrates programming, content, and resources to support young people more effectively as they earn secondary credentials and explore career pathways. In Minnesota, fifteen sites are currently serving “Opportunity Youth” connected to the LEAP initiative. 

Launched in 2010, the Plus program helps young people who are county-involved graduate high school or earn a GED, attend college or employment training, and plan for a career with a family-sustaining wage.  The Plus program is in twelve different schools and programs across Hennepin County.  Case Coordinators on-site deliver the support on a one-to-one basis, maintaining a caseload of approximately 20 young people.  The program relies on multiple partners and stakeholders to provide customized support for young people.

Job Summary:

The Chemical Health Specialist will carry a caseload of up to 20 students across the Plus Program, located in 12 alternative schools across Hennepin County. Students will be co-located in the Plus Program and receive Care Coordination services. Young people served in this program will have a variety of experiences, including but not limited to involvement in the Juvenile Justice System, the Foster Care/ CPS system, have experienced Homelessness/High Mobility, are Pregnant or Parenting, and/or otherwise disengaged from school. The Chemical Health Specialist will work closely with the Care Coordinators to cross support caseloads. If you're passionate about what you do and eager to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Student Support:

• Connect with Care Coordinators and other relevant site staff to build caseload of students needing Chemical Health support and treatment.
• Connect with young people, families, and caregivers to engage in programming and provide guidance throughout chemical health services.
• Support and maintain a mobile caseload of up to 20 students with chemical health needs.
• Will provide chemical health education groups at sites in the network. May provide relevant training for school staff.
• Attend other relevant meetings at the school site as necessary for cross-coordination of services or implementation of programming.
• Other duties as assigned.

Collaboration:

• Intentionally and actively seeks collaboration with family/caregivers, Care Coordinators, other professionals, school staff, and other relevant people in a student’s life.
• May provide transportation as needed to support students.
• Attends regular Plus program meetings and other meetings as required.

Ongoing Professional Development:

• Maintain an active independent LADC licensure.
• Attend internal and external training opportunities for both professional development and to meet PPL expectations.

Data Practices:

• Maintains necessary and timely notes and other appropriate paperwork for students, family, and collateral contacts.
• Uses data to confirm trends noticed within student populations and further inform ongoing practice.
• Assures program participant privacy is maintained by being knowledgeable and following HIPAA/FERPA data privacy and security regulations.
• Works with Plus Program Manager and LEAP Data Analyst to accurately fulfill Hennepin County and other reporting requirements.

Culturally Competent Practices:

• Communicates and develops relationships that demonstrate deep understanding of the cultural heritage of each student and their family/caregivers.
• Participates in recreational and educational after-school activities that have meaning to students.
• Travels to settings where services are provided, primarily family, home, and school and community resources.
• Provides an appropriate professional role model for families and encourages/supports parents/caregivers in the parenting of their children.

Trauma Informed Care:

• Uses trauma informed responses to young people and their families.
• Practices “compassionate accountability” in helping students reach their goals.

Other:

• Must maintain a Class D Operator’s License. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ability to work under and meet assigned deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively across the organization and with various levels of management.
• (2) or more years working with young people (aged 14-24) with multiple barriers.

Ability to use:

• Office equipment including telephone, smartphone, voicemail systems, copier, printer, scanner, and fax machine.

• MS Word, Outlook, and Excel
• The Internet and electronic timecard system
• Computer Network (files, drives, and folders)
• Apricot or other database systems

Hours: Standard business hours -40 hours per week (1 evening per week)

Education and/or Experience

• BA Degree in Human Services, Education, Psychology, Social Work or another similar field.
• Active Independently Licensed LADC

Benefits: Health & Dental; Employer Paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance, Employer Paid Life Insurance; Paid Parental Leave; Voluntary Life Insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA); PTO and paid Holidays; 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match; Summer half-day Fridays; an impactful presence in an organization that makes a difference in many lives.

Salary: $65,000.00-$75,000.00 Yr., DOQ

PPL's work structure has evolved into a Hybrid Model where available, striking a balance between on-site presence at the office or satellite locations and remote work from home based on the program's needs. Working with your supervisor to find the right balance for your team will evolve over time.This position is on-site initially to best meet the needs of young people and schools.

How to Apply:  

Qualified candidates can apply online. Include a cover letter and resume. The hiring process includes phone screens and in-person interviews, references, and background checks for final candidates. 

PPL strives to be an equitable and inclusive organization committed to elevating the voices of the communities we serve those who are disproportionately affected by systemic inequities. Persons of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

PPL is an EEO/AA employer. PPL participates in the federal E-verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.