Hope Center YE Shelter Support Specialist

Position Information

Title:  Youth Emergency Shelter Support Specialist

FLSA Status:  Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Location:  Hope Center

Reports to: Youth Emergency Shelter Program Coordinator

Job Description

     The Support Specialists at Rod’s House focus on providing a safe and stable environment for young people to learn new skills in order to thrive on their own in the community. Support Specialists help support a wide spectrum of needs for young people (ages 13-17) experiencing homelessness throughout Yakima County. Support Specialists play a pivotal role as guides for youth so they may progress from temporary sheltering to permanent, safe, and stable housing.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Engage with youth to make them feel welcome, safe, and supported

• Collaborate with Case Manager, Behavioral Health Specialist, Family Support Specialist, Peer Navigator, and Program Coordinator on how best to support the youth

• Appropriately respond to and coach youth through verbal, physical, and emotional altercations

• Actively seek opportunities to be inclusive and equitable

• Accompany youth to designated recreational activities and mealtimes

• Assist with housekeeping duties and ensure cleanliness and tidiness at all times

• Ensure a safe environment for fellow employees, volunteers, and residents

• Review health guidelines and organize food on a daily basis

• Participate in monthly program outcome reporting with all program staff following policies and procedures

• Complete data entry tasks, as assigned

• Prioritize keeping information on the youth confidential and secure

• Provide regular feedback on program policies and procedures and program trainings to include Mandated reporting trainings

• Provide general assistance and support as directed

• Proven ability to create a system or process when one does not exist

• Complete all other duties as assigned and other duties as required

• administering/observing medication times and documenting accurately 

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED Required

• Must be at least 21 years of age Required

• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance Required

• Bilingual (Spanish English) Preferred 

Salary/Compensation and Benefits 

• Starting hourly wage of $17.30

• Medical, Dental, and Vision

• Vacation Time

• Sick Time

• 401K

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• At least 1 year experience working directly with youth, particularly youth experiencing homelessness

• Effective communication and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work with young people in crisis. 

• Willingness to learn and teach new things.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements 

Shifts could include evening, early mornings, or weekends, including holidays. This position requires daily interactions with youth experiencing homelessness and with community members, social service providers, and other organizations. Physical requirements for the position include frequent walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, grasping, climbing, and repetitive motions. This position requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force to lift, carry, pull, or move objects.