Youth Site Specialist - HOME Youth Services - Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency

HOME Youth Services is seeking Youth Site Specialists to join their team! 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. This position requires flexibility with a work schedule and may work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays to ensure youth are receiving care at all times.

There are multiple vacancies for this position.

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

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED).

• Two or more years of work experience in fast-paced customer service, healthcare, education, social/community services or related public-facing sectors.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Preference will be given to candidates with work or volunteer experience working with a special needs population and/or with youth or high-risk youth 11-18 years of age.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

• 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 Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check.

• CPR/First Aid, Food Handlers card, mandatory reporting, privacy laws, trauma informed care, suicide intervention, collaborative problem solving, and recognizing and reporting child abuse & neglect training and/or certifications required within the first 30 days. 

• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

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

• Experience with youth mentoring and service delivery is strongly preferred.

• 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; read and interpret 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. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

• Provides direct supervision to youth 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 youth as needed.

• Provides youth transportation in Agency vehicles to and from school, to appointments and outings, and other assigned activities.

• Reports applicable information to Case Managers per program standards.

• Responds to guest questions about clothing, snacks, blankets, restrooms, charging stations and local resources.

• Effectively shares information and responds to questions from clients, partners, and the general public regarding services provided by HYS programs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory duties in this position.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

• Frequently lift up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

• Manual dexterity for handling computers, devices, and office equipment.

• Occasional driving to Agency sites in Marion and Polk counties.

• Maintains calm disposition and regulates emotions when clients, staff, or others may become escalated.

• Regulates emotions and handles pressure of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks.

• Responsive to urgent situations, which could require travel for on-site interventions using trauma-informed care techniques.

• Ability to exercise judgement and quick decision-making skills in response to guest or client incidents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor and outdoor work environment, with frequent noise and distractions.

• Frequent close quarters with a population experiencing homelessness, with additional barriers such as mental illness and substance use.

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

• Utilizes virtual video conference and social media platforms to communicate and work collaboratively.

• Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends and holidays as needed and scheduled by supervisor. May be required to work at multiple sites within the HYS program.

MWVCAA is committed to promoting and achieving diversity, equity and inclusion with employees and with those we serve. The agency strives to be an employer of choice with a vision for all people to be respected for their infinite worth, and supported to envision and reach a positive future.

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.

*MWVCAA is a Second Chance Employer supporting individuals with criminal records with a fair and equal opportunity at employment. A background check will be conducted for this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an individual from a job, unless there is a specific legal exclusion. MWVCAA will consider convictions as they relate to job duties and responsibilities and consider the length of time since the offense.

**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, download below.

If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at HR@mwvcaa.org or call 503-585-6232 to ask for a HR Team Member.