Child and Youth Program Specialist

Child and Youth Program Specialist

Key Information

• Reports To: Child & Youth Program Specialist
• Location: Maple Valley, WA
• Supervises: None
• Base Pay: $24.50-$27 DOE / Hour
• Job Classification: FT, Non-Exempt

About Vine Maple Place (VMP)

VMP, established in 2000 as a 501c3 nonprofit working with single parents and their children to break the generational cycle of homelessness. Serving families who are homeless or facing eviction, our commitment is to end homelessness in South King County. Over the past 12 years, our signature Stable Families program has grown, serving from 68 parents and children to nearly 4,500 individuals annually. Our programs focus on preventing homelessness or assisting families off the streets to become safe, stable, and equipped with new skills to permanently leave homelessness. Families achieve great success, becoming safe, stable, and self-sufficient; 95% are stably housed upon exiting the program, with 91% maintaining their housing a year later. Our evidence-based, client-centered services are delivered at two Family Hope Centers. As a community and faith-based organization, we rely on the thousands of volunteer hours and donations that make our work possible. Due to the homelessness crisis in King County, VMP is expanding to serve more families in need.

Job Summary

The Child & Youth Program Specialist (CYPS) works directly with parents, children and youth who are homeless or facing homelessness, and have experienced trauma and adversity. The CYPS oversees the Child and Youth Programs, utilizing a trauma-informed approach, to teach children self-regulation and provide opportunities to heal and increase confidence. The CYPS utilizes lesson plans and coordinates volunteers to ensure structured programs include engaging activities for children and youth from 0-18. Program activities include indoor and outdoor; homework, tutoring, art, story time and meals. The CYPS role is essential to establishing a healthy family dynamic where children and youth will heal and create a path to a future that is full of possibility. This role is a foundational part of the success of vulnerable and homeless single parents to reaching their goal of self-sufficiency and stable housing while in the VMP Stable Families Program. Due to the homelessness crisis in King County, VMP is expanding to serve more families in need.

Responsibilities

• Organize and implement weekly trauma-informed care programs for children and youth 0-18 targeted to develop skills to recover from adverse childhood experiences.
• Organize and implement academic programs for children and youth, including a Preschool Program and Study Zone for elementary and secondary school aged children.
• Set up, take down and clean up classrooms.
• Organize and distribute donations, including clothing bags, diapers and family fun kits.
• Drive a shuttle bus to pick up and drop off teens for evening youth programs and enrichment activities in the community.
• Plan and assist in seasonal activities and monthly field trips, including teen trips, family field trips, camp opportunities and monthly mentor activities.
• Attend trainings to maintain professional skill set and apply Trauma-informed, Conscious Discipline, Social Emotional Learning and Motivational Interviewing in daily work with children, youth and parents.
• Conduct regular assessments of children and youth to evaluate age appropriate development for emotional, social, academic, health and parent child relationships. Focus on identifying needs, strengths and goal, and tracking desired outcomes.
• Monitor ongoing program outcomes, ensuring goals are achieved and programs effective. Recommend and collaborate with Child & Youth Manager on program improvements.
• Act as a mandated reporter on all incidents of abuse, neglect and safety.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and agree to the VMP Statement of Faith.
• Be passionate about helping families overcome the trauma of homelessness.
• Embrace diversity and work effectively with a diverse team of professionals; sensitivity to the needs of clients, staff and volunteers from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English fluently.
• Willing to work evening and occasional weekend hours.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to facilitate volunteers. Communicate effectively with children, youth, parents, volunteers, staff and community partners.
• Experience providing services to children, youth and families, and an understanding of trauma, poverty, homelessness and program services.
• Two years of experience working with diverse and/or special needs populations
• Degree in Early Child Development or equivalent preferred.

Required Credentials

• Must pass and maintain an acceptable background check.
• Valid Driver’s License, safe driving record and proof of insurance.

Further Compensation Details

• 401(k), with matching
• Medical, dental and vision benefits
• Up to 7 paid holidays
• Vacation accrued per hours worked, up to 10 days per year
• 6 days of floating holiday per fiscal year, after 6 months employment, prorated first year
• 40 hours Additional PTO
• Protected Sick Leave accrued for a maximum of 64 hours per year

The above is intended to describe the general content of, and the requirements for, satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements of this position. Other duties may be assigned.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.50 - $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• working with diverse and/or special needs populations: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Maple Valley, WA 98038 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $27