Youth Site Specialist - Home Youth Services na Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Lead Youth Site Specialist (LYSS) directly supervises at-risk youth and assists youth in obtaining basic needs and navigating resources, while ensuring a safe space at the HOME Youth Services shelters. In addition to assisting with basic shelter services, they are the point person for building connections, mentoring, and providing valuable resources to youth residents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Five or more years of work experience in fast-paced customer service, healthcare, education, social/community services or related public-facing sectors.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Preference will be given to candidates with work or volunteer experience working with a special needs population and/or with youth or high-risk youth 11-18 years of age.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

• Driver qualifications are required for this position. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.
• Candidate must pass Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check.
• CPR/First Aid, Food Handlers card, mandatory reporting, privacy laws, trauma informed care, suicide intervention, collaborative problem solving, and recognizing and reporting child abuse & neglect training and/or certifications required within the first 30 days. 
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to build and maintain healthy boundaries and relationships with youth and community partners.
• Experience with youth mentoring and service delivery is strongly preferred.
• General understanding of de-escalation, role-modeling and active-listening.
• Proficiencies in the use of Microsoft Office, such as Word and Outlook.
• Effectively communicates orally and in written form; read and interpret policies and instructions.
• Ability to utilize video conferencing, navigating and communicating on social media, and general technology skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

• Provides direct supervision to youth in adherence to program and licensing requirements, including but not limited to: teaching independent living skills and goal setting, providing educational support, and mediating conversations among youth as needed.
• Provides youth transportation in Agency vehicles to and from school, to appointments and outings, and other assigned activities.
• Delegates assignments for staff on site, and ensures required breaks and lunches are occurring during shifts. Notifies manager of staff issues to ensure timely resolution.
• Mentors youth during their time in the shelter, in collaboration with the site case managers.
• Reports applicable information to Case Managers per program standards.
• Responds to guest questions about clothing, snacks, blankets, restrooms, charging stations and local resources.
• Effectively shares information and responds to questions from clients, partners, and the general public regarding services provided by HYS programs.
• Aids coworkers in supervising youth and completing other work as needed.
• Accurately documents and reports all services both in print and electronically in adherence to agency and licensing

requirements. Enters data as needed in a timely matter.

• Uses De-Escalation techniques and trauma-informed care principles while performing tasks.
• Attending required training and remains up to date on policies and procedures for shelter operations as needed.
• Assists with shelter upkeep tasks as needed, including daily cleaning, deep cleaning, cooking meals, and other related upkeep duties as assigned.
• Complies with MWVCAA safety and personnel policies, including punctuality and attendance.
• Conducts youth outreach to provide general services, food boxes, and resource navigation.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory duties in this position.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently lift up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling computers, devices, and office equipment.
• Occasional driving to Agency sites in Marion and Polk counties.
• Maintains calm disposition and regulates emotions when clients, staff, or others may become escalated.
• Regulates emotions and handles pressure of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks.
• Responsive to urgent situations, which could require travel for on-site interventions using trauma-informed care techniques.
• Ability to exercise judgement and quick decision-making skills in response to guest or client incidents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor and outdoor work environment, with frequent noise and distractions.
• Frequent close quarters with a population experiencing homelessness, with additional barriers such as mental illness and substance use.
• May work in kitchen, laundry, and restroom spaces, utilizing basic tools and equipment for necessary site upkeep.
• Utilizes virtual video conference and social media platforms to communicate and work collaboratively.
• Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends and holidays as needed and scheduled by supervisor. May be required to work at multiple sites within the HYS program.

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.

Benefits: Kaiser medical & vision, Dental, FSA, EAP, Life, ADD, 401K Employer Contribution, paid holidays