Life Navigator

A Life Navigator works in WREP (the Work Readiness Enrichment Program, an alternative schooling option for boys age 14-17 with a history of chronic suspension,) supporting systems impacted youth and their families on the path to healing, growing, and thriving. WREP is a partnership between Deep Center, the Chatham County Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Savannah Chatham County Public School System.

The ideal Life Navigator is a person who can be an advocate, champion, and mentor using their lived experience in juvenile court, foster care, or other systems to support the implementation and facilitation of healing-centered youth programming at partner sites throughout the community. In this position you will wear many hats to aid in effective functioning of the program operation and procedures and youth mentorship, guidance, and success academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Deep Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to join our team. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and those with lived experiences that reflect the Savannah community to apply.

Aren’t sure if you meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that people from marginalized communities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Deep Center, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and equity-driven workplace. So if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Core Competencies

• Lived experience as a court-involved/systems-impacted community member, preferable from Savannah/Chatham County 
• An assets-based framework for working with youth and families from diverse cultural backgrounds towards a more just and equitable world
• Understanding of social, economic, and cultural systems and how historical and contemporary structural injustices adversely affect some communities while benefiting others
• Having an anti-racism lens and an ability to talk fearlessly about race, class, gender, sexuality, migration, ability, and structural injustices
• Familiarity with restorative justice and healing-centered practices for supporting systems-impacted youth, especially those who have experienced trauma
• Familiarity with community resources and services, as well as the ability to develop and sustain relationships with key community organizations

Implementation

• Co-plan and co- lead multiple weekly workshops with partnering organizations and guests that respond to young people’s and the community’s needs
• Facilitate youth-centered dialogue and creative expression that supports literacy, agency, and learning for young people and their village of support, including adult allies
• Assist young people with creation and exhibition of final products
• Maintain strong, strategic relationships with site partners and adult stakeholders of the juvenile justice system for the successful operation of youth programming
• Source and maintain community partnerships with businesses, organizations, and community advocates to support exposure and learning opportunities for youth participants

General Responsibilities 

• Build rapport and supportive relationships with all youth participating in WREP, as well their families, with a trauma awareness and conflict resolution lens.
• Establish and maintain relationships with organizations serving WREP youth and make appropriate referrals.
• Serve as a liaison between WREP youth and organizations serving their needs.
• Improve the model of care for WREP youth by working directly with youth and organizational partners.
• Collect data for a comprehensive understanding of impact of WREP in youth served (i.e. pre/post assessments, service plans, etc)
• Assist in collaboration across programs to further Deep’s mission and goals
• Attend ongoing training and development in Deep’s method and pedagogy
• Provide feedback to help develop Deep’s sequential curriculum across programs.
• Attend key Deep Center events as determined annually by Directors
• Attend regular organizational meetings, such as weekly staff meetings, board/staff retreats, strategic planning events
• Effectively manage student caseload for service planning in accordance with service plans, IEPs, success goals and plans

Salary: $24/hr

Reports to: Deep Youth Program Director

Status: Full Time 35-40 hr/week, 10 month contract, Non-Exempt

Location: Savannah, GA 

Start Date: August/September 2024