The HOME Youth Services Program is seeking a new Youth Support Specialist to join their team! The Youth Support Specialist (YSS) directly supervises at-risk youth and assists youth in obtaining basic needs and navigating resources, while ensuring a safe space at HOME.

The YSS helps youth learn life skills, build positive relationships and navigate public and social services available in the community.

This position may work weekends and holidays to ensure youth are receiving care at all times.

There are multiple vacancies for this position. Available shifts include Swing-shift and Graveyard-shift.

Candidates must submit application by 6 / 14 / 2024 in order to be considered for first round interviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE

Two or more years of work or volunteering experience in fast-paced customer service, healthcare, education, social / community services or related public-facing sectors;

College course work in social sciences or related human services preferred but not required.

Equivalent combinations of education, various experience and training may be accepted.

Preferred Qualifications :

Work or volunteer experience working with special needs population and / or experience working with youth or high risk youth ages 11-18.

Prior training or experience in the following areas : CPR / First Aid, Food Handlers card, Mandatory reporting, privacy laws, trauma informed care, suicide intervention, collaborative problem solving, and recognizing and reporting child abuse & neglect.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Desirable skillsets include : de-escalation, motivational interviewing, role-modeling, active-listening, flexibility and adaptive to changing circumstances, light cooking, housekeeping and close monitoring and supervision of youth.

Proficiencies in the use of Microsoft Office, such as Word and Outlook.

Ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form; read and interpret policies and instructions.

Ability to utilize video conferencing, navigating and communicating on social media, and general technology skills.

Bilingual English-Spanish capabilities may be required for bilingual vacancies in the program.

To qualify as bilingual, staff must possess demonstrated ability to speak (and for some positions, read and write) fluently in Spanish and English and pass a bilingual test.

Bilingual staff may receive a pay differential based on Program language needs.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATION

Driver qualifications required for this position. Valid driver license and insured vehicle available for use on the job with satisfactory drive record for the past 5 years.

Pass Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check.

Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug / alcohol screenings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

YOUTH RESIDENT SUPERVISION

Provides direct supervision to youth in adherence to program and licensing requirements.

Teaches independent living skills & goal setting.

Mediates conversations among youth as needed.

Directs youth in daily and weekly chores.

Facilitates and provides support for daily study hall.

Assists youth in completing goals defined in their case plans.

Issues appropriate consequences as needed according to policy and procedure.

YOUTH PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

Works with management to develop, revamp, and / or review procedures and programs as needed.

Answers the phone : direct calls or take messages appropriately (land line, cell phone and social media).

Takes crisis calls : conduct crisis intervention over the phone and in-person (land line, cell phone and social media).

Completes intake, call logs, and exit paperwork in an accurate and professional manner.

Completes timely data entry, shift logs and client notes.

Maintains building appearance by completing necessary tasks before shift change.

OTHER DUTIES

Effectively presents information and responds to questions from clients, customers, partners, and the general public.

Demonstrates experience and understanding in working with at-risk youth including those experiencing homelessness as well as community partners and social service agencies.

Creates and maintains positive relationships with youth and their families with ethical boundaries.

Applies creativity in daily activities and dealing with challenges.

Accurately documents and reports all services both in print and electronically in adherence to agency and licensing requirements.

SPECIALIZED DUTIES THAT MAY BE SHARED BETWEEN ALL YOUTH SUPPORT SPECIALISTS :

Conducts street outreach.

Facilitates group activities.

Provides educational tutoring.

Dispenses medication to youth.

Provides transportation to youth via program vehicle.

Implements and participates in shelter activities.

Conducts regular bed-checks during bedtime hours.

Support & mentor volunteers and interns.

Cross-train to work at Taylor's House (emergency house for youth ages 11-18) and The Drop In as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Required to frequently reach; required to stand; walk; stoop, kneel, crouch and rarely crawl. Mobility to get to multiple levels in house / facility without an elevator is required.

Regularly lift and / or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.

Manual dexterity for handling office equipment, preparing food / cooking, checking for hidden items in beds, backpacks, facilities, on persons.

Frequent driving in all weather conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Close quarters, often with a population experiencing homelessness, with additional barriers such as mental illness and substance use.

Frequent noise and distractions in work spaces. May work in kitchen / laundry with appliances and restroom spaces.

Indoor and outdoor work environment.

Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends and holidays as needed and scheduled by supervisor.

Utilizes virtual video conference platforms and social media platforms as a means to communicate and work collaboratively.

MWVCAA is committed to promoting and achieving diversity, equity and inclusion with employees and with those we serve. The agency strives to be an employer of choice with a vision for all people to be respected for their infinite worth, and supported to envision and reach a positive future.

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category.

We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.

MWVCAA is a Second Chance Employer supporting individuals with criminal records with a fair and equal opportunity at employment.

A background check will be conducted for this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an individual from a job, unless there is a specific legal exclusion.

MWVCAA will consider convictions as they relate to job duties and responsibilities and consider the length of time since the offense.

This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, download below.

If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at or call to ask for a HR Team Member.

Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Last updated : 2024-07-02