Community Engagement Specialist

YES’ mission is to serve homeless and at-risk youth by providing critically-needed resources which empower them to become self-sufficient. YES provides these resources to youth experiencing homelessness through trauma-informed support, develops leadership and employment readiness of youth and partners with youth to advocate for systems of change.

Compensation: $19 hourly

Benefits:

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• STD
• LTD
• Life and AD&D
• Critical Illness
• Accident
• Hospital
• Cancer
• Separate vacation and sick leave banks
• 403b with employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Continuing Education Opportunities
• Awesome company culture!

Hours: Full-time - Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Day to Day

The Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for community outreach, providing basic needs, problem solving, crisis intervention, and referral information to run-away, homeless, street dependent, and youth in crisis.

Responsibilities:

Community Outreach

• Meet youth and adult needs in the community by performing street outreach in known areas of youth hang outs. Examples are parks, local libraries, etc.

• Partner with other local shelters to meet youth where they are at and offer resources

• Attend trainings, booths, resources fairs, parades as directed and needed to provide resources and information on resources

• Assisting in building and maintaining relationships to support programs services by engaging volunteers, donors, as well as the greater community
• Represent YES on committees/counsel relevant to resource partnerships.

Drop In Center

• Assessing the physical needs of youth and providing basic needs services as appropriate, including, but not limited to, first aid, food, hygiene products, community resources, clothing items, etc.
• Demonstrating knowledge of community resources available to youth for utilization in helping youth to meet their extended needs.
• Documenting all youth contacts, including any supplemental written reports as directed in a timely fashion, immediately reporting any significant problems or activities to the Program Lead
• Advocating for youth in appropriate life arenas including, but not limited to, interactions with family, law enforcement agencies, courts, and schools and by providing referrals for access to appropriate services.
• Demonstrating an ability to use appropriate crisis intervention and problem-solving skills in providing basic services to youth.
• Identifying unmet youth needs and assisting in securing resources to address those needs.
• Being present on the floor during business hours at YES Outreach.
• Assist with cleaning and upkeep responsibilities of the center.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisory staff.
• Encourage teamwork through modeling and cooperative interaction with colleagues, volunteers, and community partners.

Skills/Competencies/Requirements:

• Twenty-one years of age.
• Knowledge of child/adolescent development and pertinent issues affecting homeless youth and/or families.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Case Management Experience.
• Acceptance and respect for diverse populations.
• Ability to develop and maintain working relationships with youth, young adults, and their families, other staff, professionals, community members, and law enforcement agencies.
• Valid motor vehicle operator’s license, current auto insurance, and ability to transport program youth as needed.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed or requested.
• Ability to complete minor to moderate lifting.
• Must successfully pass a criminal history and department of motor vehicles check, child abuse registry check, and drug screening.

Education:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral sciences, or a related field preferred.

• Relevant experience and training will be considered in replacement of a completed degree.

YES is an EOE.