Youth Engagement Specialist (YTH)

Job Description

Position Title: Youth Engagement Specialist (Part-Time)

Supervisor: Program Manager - Youth Temporary Housing Program (YTH)

Program Area Youth Transitional Housing

Department: Homeless Intervention Services 

Job Summary

The Youth Engagement Specialist provides direct support services to program participants, focusing on enrichment and community-building activities that support the development of independent living skills for youth aged 18-24.

Essential Responsibilities

• Supervise the apartment building throughout the shift.
• Plan and execute at least one residential social activity per week for clients.
• Develop meaningful and purposeful relationships with clients.
• Ensure the safety and current placement of clients in the programs.
• Use effective interpersonal communication skills to gain client cooperation and resolve conflicts.
• Deescalate client crises and emergencies appropriately.
• Serve as a liaison with building management during non-office hours.
• Document all contacts with clients, family members, staff, and representatives from other agencies involved in the provision of client services.
• Write detailed Unusual Incident Reports for each incident that occurs during shifts.
• Lead or participate in staff training and seminar presentations as requested.
• Notify the Supervisor of any significant client medical complaints, unusual events, accidents, medical problems, property damage, or maintenance concerns.
• Conduct apartment inspections as needed to monitor for safety and program violations.
• Ensure clients respect building quiet hours and other building and program regulations.
• Work on budgeting aspects of assigned programs and maintain detailed accounts of finances.
• Provide client stipends in conjunction with client case managers.
• Attend individual and/or group clinical supervision on a weekly basis.
• Attend programmatic meetings with the Shelter Coordinator.
• Improve professional skills by attending workshops, seminars, and training sessions as allowed by time and funding constraints.
• Perform other activities as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

• At least a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related human services field; (High School diploma or 2 years of experience working with homeless youth can substitute for a bachelor’s degree). 

Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, strength-based, and Housing First approaches.
• Knowledge of services and resources in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Knowledge in crisis intervention.
• Ability to evaluate youth’s emotional, behavioral, and social needs and determine optimal treatment strategies.
• Ability to conduct individual, family, and group counseling sessions.
• Ability to relate to a culturally diverse population.
• Must complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
• Must complete CPR and First Aid certification.
• Flexible, energetic, positive individual committed to youth development in a high-quality, respectful environment.
• Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
• All employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be requested at the time of the interview and at onboarding.

Salary Range:  $20 - $22 per hour