Youth Specialist - HYS-SDS

The Youth Specialist of Drop-In Services works to create and maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.

They provide direct services, referrals, and basic need supplies, while administering the policies and procedures that help to ensure a safe and clean facility.

Reports To : Manager of Drop-In Services

Schedule : Monday through Friday, 8AM-4 : 30PM or Monday-Friday, 2PM-10 : 30PM

essential duties

Direct Service Tasks

• Support young people in accessing food, clothing, hygiene supplies and other basic need items.
• Provide a safe, caring, and non-judgmental environment for all young people accessing services.
• Ensure the rules, policies and procedures of Drop-In Services are adhered to.
• Conduct searches of each guest’ belongings at check-in time to ensure the removal of any prohibited items.
• Provide referrals to appropriate resources such as case management, education, employment, housing, mental health, and substance use services.
• Act as a role model for all young people accessing services.
• Monitor laundry and shower use.

Program Tasks

• Organize food, furniture, resources, and any other equipment needed for daily activities.
• Wash, dry and fold bedding, towels, and guests’ laundry.
• Monitor and assist with scheduling programming.
• Assist with the coordination of the Youth Advisory Board.
• Conduct walk-arounds of the surrounding area before and after Drop-In Services.
• Ensure the facility remains clean after Drop-In Services have concluded, e.g., putting away food, washing dishes, sweeping, cleaning surfaces, etc.

Administrative Tasks

• Maintain daily records of guests in Salesforce.
• Maintain consistent record keeping of items distributed to guests.
• Participate in the coordination of grant reporting.
• Maintain record of disciplinary actions, bars and restorative justice.
• Participate in individual supervision, case consultation meetings and team meetings.

job requirements

a. Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience, providing direct services to young adults.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish encouraged.
• Demonstrated knowledge of MS365 Power Platform.

b. Additional Requirements

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must satisfactorily pass criminal history check.
• Must satisfactorily pass tuberculosis (TB) test.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid Washington State driver's license (or be able to obtain one by date of employment).
• Employees and volunteers who operate their own or Friends of Youth vehicles on Friends of Youth business, must have a safe driving record as defined by Friends of Youth.
• Employees and volunteers who operate their own vehicle(s) on Friends of Youth business must carry auto liability insurance that complies with the requirements of Friends of Youth.
• Must successfully complete the following health certification requirements within 30 days of employment : Food Handler’s Card, CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. There are no exemptions.

c. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Able to engage with diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by honoring and celebrating diverse characteristics and expressions of personal identity.
• Strong commitment to Friends of Youth’s mission, vision, and values.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Able to maintain strong personal and professional boundaries.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with youth and young adults.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction philosophy and strengths-based practice.
• Proficient skill set with Microsoft Office programs.

We offer :

• Generous time off including 15 vacation days per year, paid sick leave, 11 paid holidays, 2 social justice leave days per year for full-time employees
• Health insurance package including medical, dental, vision, 24 / 7 access to telehealth, long term disability and life insurance
• Retirement plan with match
• Transgender Health Benefits

Friends of Youth is committed to equity and creating a diverse and inclusive work environment as an equal opportunity employer.

We welcome, honor, and celebrate our clients, colleagues, and communities’ diverse identities and cultures. For more information, email [email protected].

Compensation details : 20-25 Hourly Wage

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