Youth Engagement Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Main Building - Portland, OR 97205Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $25.16 - $27.77 HourlyJob Shift: DayJob Category: Nonprofit - Social ServicesYouth Engagement Specialists facilitate the day-to-day services offered in the Day Services Program and are responsible for both individual and group work with culturally diverse youth. They support a range of skill building activities: ID assistance, benefits acquisition, food planning and preparation, healthy recreation, empowerment and self-exploration, time management and budgeting, pre-employment skill building, etc. They serve as the contact person for youth on the waiting list for case management, assisting youth with application support for the on-site housing program, and connecting them with case management, employment, education, and recovery-oriented supports to be successful in their Individual Service Plans. Youth Engagement Specialists are also responsible for helping youth learn and practice healthy communication skills. They work with their team to address issues of racial equity among participants. The long-term goal of the Day Services Program is to help youth build the skills and access the resources needed to progress toward self-sufficiency and community integration.

Essential Duties

Build positive relationships with youth through role modeling and mentoring.
Help new or returning youth navigate the screening and assessment process.
Educate youth about the Homeless Youth Continuum and how to access available services and resources.
Engage youth in Outside In program offerings.
Provide individualized support to youth. Serve as Contact Person for youth accessing the Day Services Program. Work with youth to develop and follow through on their Initial Goal Plans and meet program expectations.
Respond to youth crises as needed.
Plan and facilitate activities consistent with COVID risk mitigation practices.
Involve and empower youth participants in generating community, meeting community norms, and sense of ownership within programs and the community.
Coordinate with agency and community resources to remove barriers and enhance youth opportunities for success.
Assure material and operational support of the Day Services Program. This can include assisting with maintaining cleanliness of program areas and assisting with food program support as needed, consistent with COVID risk mitigation practices.
Establish and facilitate effective communication with staff. This includes serving as a conduit of information for teammates and between program staff and supervisors.
Ensure timely documentation of services and outcomes.
Other duties as assigned.

QualificationsKnowledge and Skills

Knowledge

Knowledge of the impact homelessness has on the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities.
Knowledge of homeless resources.
Knowledge and understanding of adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction.

Skills

Ability to work with a diverse population and interact effectively with different types of people.
Good communication and conflict resolution skills.

Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to support agency goals and the operational functioning of the Youth Department.
Ability to complete all required documentation and information input in a professional, thorough, and timely manner.
Commitment to continual learning and quality performance.
Ability to build and maintain effective and professional contacts at agencies providing resources.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and performance at all times.
Ability to meet youth worker core competencies.
Ability to effectively navigate technologies used in this position including Credible Behavioral Health Electronic Health Record, MS Office Applications, and Windows Server.
Valid driver license.
Ability to be insured and drive participants in agency vehicle and car share.

Education and Experience

Two years of relevant experience and competency working with adolescents and young adult, required.

Experience working with homeless populations and/or people with mental health and substance use concerns, preferred.
Oregon Food Handler’s card, preferred.
Must pass pre-employment background check. This includes clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit.
BA/BS coursework in related field and/or training in crisis intervention highly desirable (social services, counseling, prevention services).

WORKING CONDITIONS

This job includes working in a standard office environment as well as a drop-in program and may include a variety of community locations to support program activities. This means that the employee will meet with participants in community locations which may include the DMV, TriMet office, and other surrounding community settings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear for extended periods. The employee frequently is required to use hands and fingers to type, answer phones and forward calls. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.