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

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.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Youth Site Specialist (YSS) 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. The Float Youth Site Specialist will work at all Home Youth Services shelters in Marion and Polk Counties based on site staffing needs.

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

Hours: 12:00 AM - 8:30 AM

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.

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.

• 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.
• Ensures data collection and quality. Inputs service usage information into the Health Management Information System (HMIS) and Shelter
• Responds to guest questions about clothing, snacks, blankets, restrooms, charging stations and local resources.
• 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 supervisors.
• Maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers at all times.
• Facilitates dispensing of medications to clients following proper protocols.
• Performs routine safety and/or bed checks following site protocols.
• Consistent punctuality and reliable attendance are essential requirements for this role.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability/flexibility to accept work shifts or trade shifts with short notice (for example, same day for a call-out).
• This position requires on-site work and is not eligible for remote work.

WHAT WE WILL DO TO SUPPORT YOU

• 401k with matching after 1 year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life insurance
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
• AFLAC coverage
• Pet insurance through Metlife
• 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.