Youth Specialist - HYS-SDS at Friends of Youth

The Youth Specialist of Drop-In Services works to create and maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. They provide direct services, referrals, and basic need supplies, while administering the policies and procedures that help to ensure a safe and clean facility.

Reports To: Manager of Drop-In Services

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8AM-4:30PM or Monday-Friday, 2PM-10:30PM

essential duties

Direct Service Tasks

1. Support young people in accessing food, clothing, hygiene supplies and other basic need items.
2. Provide a safe, caring, and non-judgmental environment for all young people accessing services.
3. Ensure the rules, policies and procedures of Drop-In Services are adhered to.
4. Conduct searches of each guest belongings at check-in time to ensure the removal of any prohibited items.
5. Provide referrals to appropriate resources such as case management, education, employment, housing, mental health, and substance use services.
6. Act as a role model for all young people accessing services.
7. Monitor laundry and shower use.

Program Tasks

1. Organize food, furniture, resources, and any other equipment needed for daily activities.
2. Wash, dry and fold bedding, towels, and guests laundry.
3. Monitor and assist with scheduling programming.
4. Assist with the coordination of the Youth Advisory Board.
5. Conduct walk-arounds of the surrounding area before and after Drop-In Services.
6. Ensure the facility remains clean after Drop-In Services have concluded, e.g., putting away food, washing dishes, sweeping, cleaning surfaces, etc.

Administrative Tasks

1. Maintain daily records of guests in Salesforce.
2. Maintain consistent record keeping of items distributed to guests.
3. Participate in the coordination of grant reporting.
4. Maintain record of disciplinary actions, bars and restorative justice.
5. 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 Handlers 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 Youths 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.