What are the responsibilities and job description for the Outreach Youth Counselor position at Cocoon House?
Description
The Outreach Youth Counselor provides a safe and supportive environment for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness at our youth drop-in center, U-Turn - promoting positive interaction, providing life skills, social skills and enrichment activities. They provide needed information and referrals, linkages to needed services, and crisis intervention with a focus on reducing involvement in youth violence; increasing youths’ abilities to access services to become more self-sufficient; and increasing supports in youths’ lives.
Cocoon House is committed to continually growing in our equity, diversity, and inclusion journey, and candidates with lived experience or who identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQ are strongly encouraged to apply! We will also provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities upon request.
Outreach Youth Counselor Duties & Responsibilities
Full-Time 40 hrs/week | On-site
Wages: $19-$20/hr DOE | $1.50/hr pay differential for multi-lingual skills with additional paperwork
- Meet youths’ basic needs while building positive relationships with the youth to establish trust and support.
- Link youth to other Cocoon House programs including Advocates and Navigators for case management services.
- Conduct stationary outreach at Cocoon House U-turn Drop-In Resource Center to ensure all youth are aware of other Cocoon House services.
- Cook and clean as scheduled and complete organizational or event planning projects as assigned by U-Turn Program Coordinator.
- Support of all volunteers and community partners.
- Collect and track data on services received throughout the shift and complete weekly data requirements to assist U-Turn Program.
- Work with team members to provide hands-on Outreach to young people throughout Snohomish County and connect with other agencies and service providers throughout Snohomish County in order to educate on Cocoon House services and encourage referrals to our services. Help Street Outreach Manager with event planning and other community coordination.
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision health options with employer contribution
- Multilingual pay stipend
- 403(b) retirement plan
- 21 days of PTO accrued in first year
- 10 agency-recognized holidays
- Paid training & testing: CPR/first aid, food handler's permit, blood borne pathogens, abuse awareness, TB testing, and additional in-depth practical trainings
Requirements
Skills needed to be successful in this role:
- 1 year of experience with at risk youth or enrolled in a human services program.
- Strong and effective communication skills;
- Ability to diffuse escalated youth.
- Ability to record and document information on forms as required for case planning and CPS reporting.
- Familiarity with local services and how to access them. Ability to assess situations and gather pertinent information.
- Ability to assess dangerous situations and access emergency services.
- Ability to relate with youth and staff.
- Ability to maintain boundaries with youth.
- Must have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to assess and prioritize youths’ needs developmentally.
- Be able to assess emergencies and get proper support.
- Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices.
- Commitment to Agency’s mission and positive youth development model.
- Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
General:
- High school diploma/GED or high school equivalency
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- DCYF background clearance
- Acceptable driver's abstract with no more than 2 violations within last 3 years
- Possess a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation
Physical:
- Ability to effectively communicate with all internal and external clients
- Be able to hear voices and alarms.
- Ability to read and comprehend a variety of materials
- Ability to operate phone, computer, and record information for files and logs
- Must be able to lift up to 50 Ibs
- Must have ability to run up and down indoor and outdoor stairwells in case of youth emergency.
- Go up and down stairs
Salary : $19 - $20
