Community Engagement Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

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 (occasional weekend availability is required)

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 physical 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 on physical street outreach (this could include but is not limited to walking in wooded areas, uneven terrain, etc.)

Attend trainings, booths, resources fairs, parades as directed and needed to provide resources and information on resources, some weekends are required.

• 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.
• Assist with pick-ups, drop-offs, and sorting of donations.
• Documenting all youth contacts, including any supplemental written reports as directed in a timely fashion, immediately reporting any significant problems or activities to the 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 is required.

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.

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