Youth Community Engagement Specialist

Cascade Community Connections is hiring! We are looking for a Youth Community Engagement Specialist to join our fast-growing team.

The Youth Community Engagement Specialist is a fulfilling and dynamic role, working directly with youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities to promote self-empowerment and our local community partners to provide accessible community opportunities. If you are a self-motivated, compassionate individual searching for a rewarding career assisting individuals to be valued and active members of our community, this is an ideal job for you. Our Specialists have a deep commitment to client success in leading fulfilling lives that include meaningful relationships and activities. Youth ages range from approximately 15 to 30 years of age.

This unique role serves students and individuals through Community Engagement support. Specialists are trained to assist our clients both professionally and personally. This role locates community events, organizations and resources for clients to provide opportunities for recreation, volunteering, and social connections. Specialists work individually with participants and their support teams to design and implement goal-driven activities based on the individuals’ abilities, interests, and preferences.

This position offers the ability to work flexible hours from home and out in the community. Specialists spend at least 85% or more of their work hours in the community.

Status: Full time or Part-Time, hourly/non-exempt

Wages: $21.00 - $23.00 plus benefits (see below)

Location: Port Townsend, WA community and work in onsite or home office

Reports to: Community Programs Manager

Essential Functions

• Work with individuals one-on-one (with no more than 12 clients on a case load), supporting engagement in the following areas: volunteering, attending social events, travel training, community explorations, and recreational pursuits.
• Identify opportunities within the community that match the clients’ specific skills, interests, needs, and preferences.
• Ensure opportunities meet expectations of inclusion practices and occur in integrated settings.
• Stay well-informed of community events and research new events and activities when needed.
• Assist in forming sustainable relationships between clients and community members that allow the client meaningful community inclusion.
• Maximize the client’s opportunities for independence and fostering relationships in the community.
• Advocate and collaborate with team members and organizations on behalf of the client as needed.
• Advise clients in problem solving, decision making, and appropriate risk taking, as needed.
• Manage and organize own work schedule while meeting the needs of caseload and community partners.
• Attend and contribute to internal weekly meetings, complete required staff training, and attend community meetings relevant to clients and their progress.
• Participate in ongoing staff development and maintain cooperative working relationships with Cascade staff and community partners.

· Other duties as assigned and in support of Cascade Community Connections.

Duties may change as organizational needs dictate. The above list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities.

Competencies

• Effective interpersonal skills led by compassion and respect. Able to demonstrate a high degree of empathy and compassion.
• Warm, approachable, professional, respectful, and willing team member and contributor.
• Ability and willingness to familiarize ourselves with our local community resources (public services, libraries, community organizations, etc.).
• Ability to confidently network and communicate effectively verbally and in writing, with capacity to present information and respond to questions thoroughly and professionally.
• Self-motivated and self-directed; organized, responsible, and independent.
• Individually manage your own schedule while considering the needs of your clients.
• Capable of understanding and following through with goals/plans.
• Resourceful at staying connected to local or regional events and opportunities.
• Able to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with others.
• Understands how to address an individual’s needs and creatively problem solve barriers to community participation.
• Understands principles of self-determination.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality which is led by strong ethics and values.

Qualifications

• Experience in social services or education, with one year of experience preferred.
• High school diploma required. Associate of Arts (AA) degree preferred. (Minors with work permits do not require a High school diploma.)
• Experience/interest in cultural diversity, community inclusion, or supporting those with developmental disabilities.
• Access and use of a personal vehicle for independent travel (mileage reimbursement is provided).
• Proficient in basic computer skills. Working knowledge of Google programs (Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Calendar).
• Possess a valid Washington driver's license with 5 or fewer points.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Capable of setting and managing personal schedule based on caseload and client needs. No nights or weekends required, however, may occasionally occur.
• Willingness to become CPR and First Aid certified.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, or otherwise perform various physical tasks.
• Talk, hear, and communicate with others; express oneself and exchange information so others understand.
• Able to climb stairs, kneel, crouch, or bend.
• Capable of operating a motor vehicle.
• Sit for long periods of time, with repetitive motion.
• Work occasional non-standard hours, including evening and weekend events.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
• Simple IRA (3% employer match after 90 days)
• Company-issued cell phone
• Health, vision, dental insurance for full-time employees
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time to volunteer
• Access to online learning modules with paid time to participate
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible (self-set) schedule
• Hybrid work – from office or your home
• Access to in-office technology and equipment
• Bonus structures for referrals and placements

About Cascade Community Connections

We strive for a fully inclusive society – in which each individual is provided equal access to community services and gainful employment. We proudly provide the resources and one-on-one guidance necessary for those seeking assistance with independent living, securing employment and navigating the transition from high school to broader community life.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $23