Working With At Risk Youth Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

The Case Worker/Youth Advocate serves as a resource, advocate, and liaison for at-risk youth in Marion and Polk Counties. This position provides consistent communication and support to PWP-affiliated youth to help them understand available resources, connect with community services, and apply for supports that promote stability and well-being.

This role helps youth access basic needs and supportive services, including clean clothing, food pantry items, emotional support, case management meetings, community activities, and programs offered through the PWP facility. The Case Worker/Youth Advocate also participates in outreach events to increase awareness of PWP services, build community connections, and encourage youth participation.

This position works in partnership with Marion and Polk County DHS and other community partners to support youth and families through coordinated, youth-centered services.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

● Ability to build and maintain healthy boundaries and relationships with youth and community partners.

● 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; reads and interprets 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. Employees will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and other management as required.

● Support youth in developing and working toward goals related to health, education, employment, housing, safety, and overall stability.

● Conduct assessments with youth to identify strengths, needs, service eligibility, housing eligibility, barriers, and appropriate supports.

● Assist youth with completing goals identified in their case plans.

● Advocate for youth and their families to access needed services, resources, and supports.

● Provide case management, youth advocacy, and housing navigation for youth, young adults, individuals, and families experiencing housing instability or homelessness.

● Support individuals in accessing resources such as Oregon Health Plan, housing programs, domestic violence supports, drug and alcohol treatment, behavioral health services, mental health services, and other community-based supports.

● Maintain appropriate involvement in youth activities, including attending appointments, wraparound meetings, school meetings, and other service-related meetings as needed.

● Contact schools, service providers, and community partners to coordinate support and help youth remain connected to services.

● Coordinate health-related support and appointment connections at existing shelters and community locations as needed.

● Respond to phone calls, messages, and social media inquiries by directing calls, taking messages, and responding appropriately.

● Respond to crisis calls and provide crisis intervention by phone, in person, or through approved communication channels, cell phone, and social media.

● Complete intakes, call logs, exit paperwork, client notes, shift logs, and other required documentation accurately, professionally, and on time.

● Complete timely data entry and maintain accurate records in all required systems.

● Maintain proper documentation for money management related to client appointments, transportation, or program needs.

● Assist with resource events, outreach activities, groups, youth activities, and program events.

● Collaborate with community partners and participate in outreach efforts to connect youth and families with needed support.

● Network and attend meetings with social service agencies to strengthen interagency, cooperation and coordination.

● Conduct groups, activities, and youth engagement opportunities as assigned.

● Assist with donation pick-ups and organization of donated items as needed.

● Help maintain the appearance, safety, and cleanliness of the building by completing required tasks before shift changes.

● Work with management to develop, update, review, and improve procedures, programs, and daily operations as needed.

● Attend required trainings, team meetings, supervision, and other meetings related to PWP operations.

● Learn, follow, and uphold PWP policies, procedures, safety expectations, and program standards.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

· Present information clearly and professionally and respond appropriately to questions from youth, families, clients, community partners, service providers, and the general public.

· Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of working with at-risk youth, including youth experiencing homelessness, trauma, family instability, mental health challenges, substance use, or other barriers.

· Build and maintain positive, supportive relationships with youth and families while maintaining ethical and professional boundaries.

· Use creativity, flexibility, and problem-solving skills when planning activities, responding to challenges, and supporting participant engagement.

· Accurately document and report services in both paper and electronic systems in accordance with agency, grant, program, and licensing requirements.

· Make appropriate referrals for participants needing drug and alcohol treatment, domestic violence support, health services, behavioral health services, mental health care, housing resources, or other community supports.

· Assist participants with obtaining needed documents and resources, including birth certificates, identification, free phones, transportation vouchers, Oregon Health Plan, and other supports.

· Communicate and collaborate closely with team members to support continuity of care and consistent service delivery.

· Create action plans with participants to help address challenging behaviors, reduce barriers, increase engagement, and support progress toward goals.

· Track participant needs, services provided, referrals made, and follow-up steps needed.

· Help participants identify goals and objectives related to stability, housing, education, employment, health, and overall well-being.

· Connect participants with workforce development workshops, employment resources, job readiness support, and other skill-building opportunities.

· Attend required trainings, team meetings, supervision meetings, and other agency meetings as assigned.

· Learn, follow, and uphold PWP policies, procedures, safety expectations, and program standards.

· Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by a supervisor or member of management.

Physical and Mental Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position.

● Ability to use close vision and adjust focus when working with computers, documents, forms, and other materials.

● Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the workday as needed.

● Ability to frequently lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

● Manual dexterity needed to use computers, phones, office equipment, and other work-related devices.

● Ability to remain calm, professional, and emotionally regulated when working with youth, clients, staff, or community members who may be escalated or in crisis.

● Ability to manage frequent interruptions, competing priorities, and requests for attention, time, and support.

● Ability to respond appropriately to urgent situations, including possible travel for on-site support or intervention.

● Ability to use sound judgment and make quick, appropriate decisions during youth, guest, client, or program-related incidents.

● Ability to maintain focus, professionalism, and emotional boundaries in a fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable environment.

Work Environment

● Close quarters, often with a population experiencing homelessness, with additional barriers such as mental illness and substance use.

● Frequent noise and distractions in workspaces.

● Indoor and outdoor work environment.

● May work in kitchen, laundry, and restroom spaces, utilizing basic tools and equipment for necessary site upkeep.

Required Qualifications

● Must be at least 21 years of age.

● High school diploma or GED required.

● Minimum of two years of experience working with youth, young adults, or vulnerable populations preferred. This may include paid, volunteer, internship, or lived experience.

● Strong communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills.

● Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards.

● Comfortable supporting youth who may be experiencing homelessness, trauma, mental health challenges, substance use, family instability, justice involvement, or other barriers.

● Knowledge of local community resources or willingness to learn.

● Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

● Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and case management/documentation systems).

● Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance (if transporting clients or traveling between locations).

● Ability to pass a criminal background check.

● Current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire.

● Ability to occasionally work evenings, weekends, and community events.

Preferred Qualifications

· THW certification, or willingness to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.

Experience providing case management, youth advocacy, outreach, peer support, or other direct support services.

· Lived experience that helps support and connect with youth, young adults, or individuals navigating housing instability, mental health challenges, substance use, justice involvement, foster care, poverty, or other barriers.

· Experience using trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, de-escalation, harm reduction, or crisis intervention approaches.

· Familiarity with Medicaid/OHP, housing resources, education systems, behavioral health supports, and community-based services.

· Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.