Youth Specialist - Shelter Services at Friends of Youth

The Youth Specialist of Shelter Services works to create and maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment for young adults experiencing homelessness. They help to ensure a caring and nonjudgmental environment for young adults accessing services.

Reports To: Manager of Shelter Services

Schedule: Monday through Thursday 10:00pm to 8:30AM

essential duties

Direct Service Tasks

1. Provide a safe, caring, and non-judgmental environment for all young adults accessing services.
2. Ensure the rules, policies and procedures of Shelter Services are adhered to.
3. Check all young adults into the center during scheduled times.
4. Conduct searches of each guest’ belongings at check-in time to ensure the removal of any prohibited items.
5. Initiate intake and ensure completion for any young adult who is admitted during the shift.
6. Provide referrals to appropriate resources such as case management, education, employment, housing, mental health, and substance use services.
7. Check in with guests regarding goal progress and completion.
8. Monitor laundry and shower use.
9. Assist with the prevention of and de-escalation of conflicts that arise between guests, to ensure a safe environment.
10. Report any severe and/or extraordinary changes in a guest’ behavior or situation to a manager.
11. Consistently check and respond in a timely manner to program related emails.
12. Collaborate effectively with team members with the goal of fostering a healthy team environment.
13. Partner with guests to develop life skills workshops and daily activities.

Program Tasks

1. Assist with serving and cleaning up after meals.
2. Ensure doors and other aspects of the facility are appropriately secured at both the beginning and end of each shift.
3. Maintain prescribed medications and checked in items in a secure area.
4. Facilitate walk-through and safety checks in areas internal and external to the facility.
5. Ensure laundry procedures are completed are adhered to during each shift.
6. Complete cleaning responsibilities during each shift.

Administrative Tasks

1. Maintain daily records of guests in Salesforce.
2. Maintain accurate record keeping in guests’ files.
3. Model positive and healthy behaviors.
4. Record and complete guests’ exit that occur during the shift.
5. Ensure copies of necessary file forms are stocked.
6. Ensure all WATCH background checks for new and returning guests are completed during the shift.
7. Assist with file collection and data for monthly and quarterly reviews.
8. Participate in individual supervision, case consultation meetings and team meetings.

job requirements

a. Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
2. A minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience, providing direct services to young adults.
3. Bilingual in English and Spanish encouraged.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of MS365 Power Platform.

b. Additional Requirements

1. Must be 21 years or older.
2. Must satisfactorily pass criminal history check.
3. Must satisfactorily pass tuberculosis (TB) test.
4. Must have reliable transportation and a valid Washington State driver's license (or be able to obtain one by date of employment).
5. Employees and volunteers who operate their own or Friends of Youth vehicles on Friends of Youth business, must have a safe driving record as defined by Friends of Youth.
6. Employees and volunteers who operate their own vehicle(s) on Friends of Youth business must carry auto liability insurance that complies with the requirements of Friends of Youth.
7. Must successfully complete the following health certification requirements within 30 days of employment: Food Handler’s Card, CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens.
8. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. There are no exemptions.

c. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Able to engage with diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by honoring and celebrating diverse characteristics and expressions of personal identity.
3. Strong commitment to Friends of Youth’s mission, vision, and values.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
5. Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
6. Able to maintain strong personal and professional boundaries.
7. Able to work independently and as part of a team.
8. Able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with youth and young adults.
9. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction philosophy and strengths-based practice.
10. Proficient skill set with Microsoft Office programs.