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Working Risk Youth Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Working Risk Youth information

What is working risk youth?

'Working risk youth' refers to young people who are engaged in employment but face various risks that can impact their well-being, development, or future prospects. These risks might include unsafe working conditions, exploitation, lack of legal protections, limited access to education, or vulnerability to social and economic challenges. The term often highlights the need for support services, policies, and interventions to protect young workers and help them achieve stable, safe, and fulfilling employment paths.

What are some common challenges faced when working with at-risk youth, and how are they typically addressed within the team?

Professionals working with at-risk youth often encounter challenges such as building trust, managing behavioral issues, and addressing complex emotional or family situations. These challenges are usually addressed through consistent communication, trauma-informed care practices, and strong collaboration among multidisciplinary team members such as social workers, counselors, and educators. Regular team meetings and training sessions help ensure that everyone is equipped with effective intervention strategies and support resources, fostering a supportive environment for both staff and youth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth worker supporting at-risk youth, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Youth Worker supporting at-risk youth, you need a background in social work, psychology, or education, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with case management software, trauma-informed care practices, and community resource networks is typically important. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, cultural sensitivity, and crisis intervention abilities help build trust and rapport with youth facing challenges. These skills are vital for effectively supporting, mentoring, and advocating for at-risk youth to promote their well-being and positive development.

What is the difference between Working Risk Youth vs Youth Counselor?

AspectWorking Risk YouthYouth Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require specialized trainingHigh school diploma; often requires certification or degree in counseling or social work
Work EnvironmentCommunity programs, youth centers, or outreach settingsSchools, community agencies, or counseling centers
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government agencies focused on youth servicesEducational institutions, social service agencies, mental health organizations

Working Risk Youth and Youth Counselors both serve young populations but differ mainly in credentials and work settings. Working Risk Youth typically engage in outreach and support roles with less formal counseling training, while Youth Counselors often have specialized education and work directly in counseling or guidance roles. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Working Risk Youth jobs in Oregon?

For Working Risk Youth jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Working Risk Youth jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Working Risk Youth job openings:

Infographic showing various Working Risk Youth job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Youth Site Specialist - Home Youth Services - Swing

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action

Salem, OR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

OUR MISSION: MWVCAA invests in people and their futures to reduce the impacts of poverty.

OUR VISION: We envision a just future, where our communities are empowered to reach positive outcomes and everyone is respected for their infinite worth.

Working at MWVCAA means becoming part of a mission-driven community dedicated to equity, dignity, and opportunity for all. We offer competitive pay, a rich company culture that values diversity, and an array of benefits - but we consider the best benefit here to be the reward of helping those in our community live better lives. Come find meaningful work and bring your skills as a Youth Site Specialist.ย Your main responsibilities will be directly supervising at-risk youth and assisting 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.ย This team offers a lot of growth opportunities and professional development through hands-on experience.

Swing Shift.

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

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • High School Diploma or GED required.

  • Four or more years of work or volunteering experience in fast-paced customer service, healthcare, education, social or community services or related public-facing sectors; or equivalent combination of education, experience and training may be accepted.

  • College course work in social sciences or related human services preferred but not required.

  • Preference will be given to candidates with work or volunteer experience working with special needs population and/or experience working with youth or high-risk youth.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • 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 a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening and an Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check prior to employment.

  • Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.

  • CPR/First Aid, Food Handlers card, Mandatory Reporting, Privacy Laws, Trauma Informed Care, Suicide Intervention, Behavior Management Interventions, and Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect trainings and/or certifications required within the first 30 days of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Experience with youth mentoring and service delivery is strongly preferred.

  • General understanding of de-escalation, role-modeling and active-listening.

  • Ability to build and maintain healthy boundaries and relationships with clients and community partners.

  • Demonstrated proficiencies in Microsoft Office (including Outlook), videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.

  • Exhibits a positive attitude and engages with others in a cooperative and supportive manner.

  • Demonstrates tact, diplomacy and empathy when communicating formally and informally with clients, staff and program partners.ย 

WHAT YOU WILL DO TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY 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.

  • Serves as primary point of contact for respective work shift.

  • Trains incoming staff members and volunteers on applicable duties, processes, and policies. Answers questions and aids coworkers as needed.

  • Provides direct supervision to clients 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 clients as needed.

  • Provides client transportation in Agency vehicles to and from school, to and from appointments, and to other assigned outings.

  • Facilitates communication and collaboration between Case Managers, Site Specialists and volunteers.

  • Assesses client eligibility and aids in gathering documentation as required for intake, enrollment, and shelter placement.

  • Focuses team toward primary program goals and exemplifies a positive work culture.ย 

  • Ensures data collection and quality. Inputs service usage information into the Health Management Information System (HMIS) and Shelter Point.

  • Responds to guest questions about clothing, snacks, blankets, restrooms, charging stations and local resources.

  • Monitors the program expectations of residents.

  • Provides program support, such as: house cleaning, site upkeep, laundry and supportive services.

  • Supports client engagement and assistance, including answering the telephone, sorting mail, and monitoring client and facility safety.

  • Assists other staff and volunteers in providing a calm, clean, and safe environment for residents.

  • Shares information, resources and referrals about community partnerships and resources.

  • Promotes a safe and healing environment for individuals that are victims of trauma through trauma informed engagements, clear boundaries, and supportive case management.

  • Attends and engages in required annual trainings and remains up-to-date on policies and procedures for the ARCHES program.

  • Supports nutrition staff as needed by completing various kitchen tasks, including cooking meals.

  • Participates in Community Outreach to local organizations, camps, and groups as directed by supervisor.

  • Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers at all times.

  • Facilitates dispensing of medications to clients following proper protocols.ย 

  • Performs routine safety and/or bed checks following site protocols.

  • Other duties as assigned.ย 

OTHER

  • Consistent punctuality and reliable attendance are essential requirements for this role.

  • Ability to work effectively and maintain positive, professional relationships with team members and clients.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.ย 

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

  • Regularly lift and/or move 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.ย 

  • Manual dexterity for handling personal items, food, cleaning equipment and supplies, clothing, sacks, carts, office equipment and use of computers and written in-take processing.

  • Requires frequent moving/walking and standing in the shelter setting and outdoor spaces.

  • Frequent/occasional driving in all weather conditions in Marion and Polk counties.

  • Maintains calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated, applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.

  • Regulates emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff.

  • Regulates emotions and handles pressures of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks.

  • Ability to reach and/or extend to access materials or equipment.

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to focus.

  • Able to physically and mentally tolerate escalated, and occasionally destructive behavior from clients. Able to de-escalate others and respond calmly, and lead others in a crisis.

  • Ability to proceed independently in accordance with Agency and program policies, guidelines, and initiatives.

  • Ability to ascend and descend stairs safely and repeatedly.

  • Ability to navigate multiple floors without the use of an elevator when necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Close quarters, with residents that are experiencing chronic homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior.ย 

  • Primarily indoor work environment with frequent interruptions and demands.

  • Exposure to trash and potential biohazards.

  • Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

  • Required to work outside of normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

  • This position requires on-site work and is not eligible for remote work.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • 401k contribution after 1 year.

  • Employee Assistance Program.

  • Life insurance.

  • Health, Vision and Dental Insurance.

  • For some positions, employees may be eligible for companysponsored continuing education.

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.

**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, download below.

Note that compensation for each role at MWVCAA is based off a number of factors such as experience and education.

If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at HR@mwvcaa.org or call 503-585-6232 to ask for a HR Team Member.