Youth Services Specialist 

Organization Info: RAMP Disability Resources & Services is a non-residential Center for Independent Living with a mission to build an inclusive community that encourages individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. RAMP’s work is guided by our commitments to inclusion, participation, accountability, and autonomy. 

Purpose of Position: RAMP’s Youth Services Specialists (YSS) advocate to reduce barriers for youth with disabilities, assist them with preparing for transitioning from youth to adulthood, and encourage them to realize that there are no limits to what they can do. By utilizing evidence-based curriculums, the YSS teaches youth skills related to self-advocacy, job readiness, post-secondary counseling, and independent living. This position also requires an understanding of the principle of the Independent Living (IL) Philosophy, and a genuine desire to carry out this philosophy. Responsibilities of this position will be conducted in all counties covered by RAMP. 

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Youth Services Manager.  

Position Location: Hybrid work opportunity! Home office is located in Rockford. A significant portion of the work is conducted within schools across Winnebago, DeKalb, Boone, and Stephenson counties, so candidate must be willing to travel across these areas.

Primary Responsibilities 

Student and Family Support 

• Help students and their families understand their disability and how it impacts them. 

• Educate families on their rights and effective self-advocacy. 

• Assist families with navigating community resources to support their goals. 

Transition and Skill Development 

• Teach transition-aged students essential skills for adulthood, including self-advocacy, job exploration, workplace readiness, post-secondary counseling, and independent living. 

• Promote acceptance and belonging for youth with disabilities. 

• Facilitate programs and curricula that support successful transitions into adulthood. 

Collaboration and Community Engagement 

• Work with school districts to build collaborative relationships. 

• Attend and conduct networking activities with other agencies and service providers to ensure consumer needs are met. 

• Maintain a caseload and maintain regular contact to support progress on goals. 

Professional Development 

• Pursue ongoing professional and personal development by attending educational opportunities, workshops, and conferences. 

Performance Metrics 

• Maintains 70% -85% of their time logged in CILs database for time engaged with consumers. 

• Achieve an average satisfaction rating of 85% or higher from students and families regarding services received. 

• Maintain regular monthly contact with 95% accuracy on case notes. 

• Complete minimum of 12 hours of continuing education and training related to your role. 

Required Skills/Abilities 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present information in a clear, concise manner. 

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as a team player. 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Effective time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. 

• Ability to advocate effectively and assertively with participants with disabilities and the community without controlling or inserting your own choices. 

• Ability to advise, encourage, inform, empathize and build trust with consumers. 

• Ability to demonstrate creativity, take initiative, and display responsible decision-making. 

• Ability to ensure adequate recording and reporting of case management information. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Literacy in word processing and data entry. 

• Ability to use or learn Microsoft Office programs: Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook. 

• Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining organization and meeting deadlines. 

• Professional manner in dress and when interacting with others both inside and outside of the organization. 

• Personal experience and/or intimate knowledge of and belief in the Independent Living Philosophy. 

• Self-motivated. 

• Reliable transportation and a willingness to work early morning, evening and some weekend hours, if needed. 

• Knowledge of educational disparities the youth with disabilities encounter. 

• Knowledge and understanding of disability, including severe mental illness, severe emotional/behavioral disabilities, and childhood-related substance use disorders. 

• Ability to utilize resources for research and connecting with other organizations or community partners. 

• Bi-lingual preferred, but not mandatory. 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Salaried Non-Exempt: 26 bi-weekly pay dates, working 37.5 to 40 hours per week to meet results. Salary range based on experience: $36,720 - $39,600.

• Supportive Work Culture: Be part of an inclusive, compassionate, and respectful work environment that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional growth. 

• Mileage and Expense Reimbursement: All job-related mileage and qualifying expenses are reimbursed.  

• Full Benefits Package:  

  • 2 weeks of PTO, accrued over 26 pay periods, available after 90 days 

  • 2 weeks of sick/wellness time, accrued over 26 pay periods, available immediately, upon accrual 

  • 13 observed holidays, including a floating holiday 

  • Holiday Gift Week, paid time off between Christmas and New Years 

  • 401K program with employer match, currently 3%, with ROTH option. 

  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage, partially covered by RAMP 

  • Vision and Dental insurance coverage, dental partially covered by RAMP 

  • Life Insurance Coverage, covered by RAMP 

  • Supplemental Voluntary Coverage options including Accident, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, Identity Theft Protection, and Legal Assistance. 

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all family members 

• Performance-Based Work Model: Complete autonomy in determining how and when to meet your work outcomes, promoting a healthy work-life balance. 

Work and Physical Requirements 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer;  

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times;  

• Must be able to access and navigate each office location.