Adolescent Health Specialist

Lutheran Social Service MN is a dynamic social service organization serving children, youth and families, people with disabilities, older adults and military veterans. Trustworthiness is a value and strength shared by our employees and recognized by the communities we serve. We offer an ALIVE Workplace (Supportive, Positive and Fun) and careers that challenge, energize and rewards employees. Consider joining us!

Major Responsibilities/Activities:
* Maintain partnerships within the school and community that align with the strategic direction of the SELF program. (20%)
* Consult with partners on implementing programming focused on comprehensive adolescent health services
* Market program services to key stakeholders to meet the needs of young people for comprehensive and accurate health information
* Partner with parents and parenting groups to deliver sexual education workshops that facilitate healthy understanding of sexuality within family systems
* Network with potential new community partners to support the dissemination of adolescent health information to youth as applicable
* When available, support the needs of other programming within Metro Youth and Family Services and/or other programs as LSS as needed

* Communicate and facilitate safe and comfortable dialogues with target populations on sexuality topics. (70%)
* Conduct condom demonstrations with confidence and ease and develop safe avenues for youth to share their questions and concerns around their own sexuality.
* Facilitate groups/classes throughout the year
* Present to youth on issues related to pregnancy prevention and sexually transmitted disease, healthy sexuality, decision making, goal setting, communication, self-esteem, sexual harassment, etc.
* Implement comprehensive sexual health curriculum; update curriculum to reflect changing trends, emerging research and needs of youth audiences
* Remain up-to-date on sexual health information, youth work best practices, best practices in social justice/anti-racism in educational spaces; attend regular professional development opportunities

* Participate in department operations, complete required documentation and recordkeeping. (10%)
* Meet regularly with Program Manager and team to advance departmental goals and objectives
* Provide cross-training support to colleagues within the ESA department to support enhanced capacity to deliver service, as needed
* Participate in networking groups such as SFLE and grantee meetings, etc.
* Collect survey data, ensuring accuracy of data entered and complete reports
* Other duties as assigned

Scope of Position (Briefly describe size and number of programs/case load, geographic area, etc.):
* Maintain relationships with staff from 5-10 community partners and customize services to varying needs. Approximately 1500 youth are served annually.

Applicants must have flexible availability based on the needs of the community partner, with some classes meeting as early as 7:20AM and as late as 8:00PM; periodic weekend availability is preferred but not required.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Lived experience that connects to the needs of the diverse communities served plus 1 year of experience working with youth or bachelor's degree in Social Work, Community Health, Youth Studies or related field plus 1 year experience working with youth
• Driver's license and insurance required as all education is done off-site.
• Must have knowledge of adolescent development and comprehensive sexuality education and a high comfort level teaching sexuality education.
• Proficiency in Spanish or Hmong preferred but not required

Lutheran Social Service of MN is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of all people regardless of gender, race, culture, religion, ethnicity, protected veteran status, and/or disability. It is the expectation that all LSS/CH employees will exhibit behaviors that reflect the LSS mission and commitment to Trustworthiness and our stand for Social Justice and Racial Equity. Do Work That Matters. Grow With Us! Veterans are encouraged to apply!

Team Player - Works well as a member of a group
Enthusiastic - Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Dedicated - Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Ability to Make an Impact - Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Experience working with youth and/or adults with developmental/intellectual disabilities (preferred)
2 years: 2 years of relevant experience working with youth and/or a strong knowledge of healthy sexuality and relevant lived experience for working with youth populations. (required)