On-Call Youth Site Specialist - Home Youth Services

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Site Specialist (YSS) directly supervises at-risk youth and helps them obtain basic needs and navigate resources while maintaining a safe environment at HOME Youth Services shelters. The role provides basic shelter services and serves as a point person for building connections, mentoring, and connecting youth residents with resources. The position serves Marion and Polk counties and is on call up to 19 hours weekly. It requires on-site work and is not eligible for remote work. The role works with residents experiencing chronic homelessness, substance use disorders, severe and persistent mental illness, or unpredictable behavior. The work is primarily indoors, in close quarters and with frequent interruptions, though it also includes outdoor activity and driving. Staff may encounter trash and potential biohazards and must work outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Four or more years of work or volunteer experience in fast-paced customer service, healthcare, education, social or community services, related public-facing sectors, or an accepted equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
Valid driver's license, an insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory driving record for the previous three years.
Pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening and an Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check before employment.
Pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.
Complete required training and/or certifications within the first 30 days of employment: CPR/First Aid, Food Handlers card, Mandatory Reporting, Privacy Laws, Trauma Informed Care, Suicide Intervention, Behavior Management Interventions, and Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect.
General understanding of de-escalation, role-modeling, and active listening.
Ability to build and maintain healthy boundaries and relationships with clients and community partners.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.
Positive, cooperative, and supportive approach; tact, diplomacy, and empathy in communication with clients, staff, and program partners.
Ability to work effectively and maintain positive, professional relationships with team members and clients.
Ability to remain calm and regulate emotions during escalations and frequent demands; apply crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques and lead others in a crisis.
Ability to proceed independently in accordance with Agency and program policies, guidelines, and initiatives.
Ability to lift and/or move 20 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally; perform manual tasks involving personal items, food, cleaning equipment and supplies, clothing, sacks, carts, office equipment, computers, and written intake processing.
Ability to frequently move, walk, and stand in the shelter and outdoor settings; drive in all weather conditions in Marion and Polk counties; reach or extend to access materials; and safely ascend and descend stairs repeatedly, including navigating multiple floors without an elevator when necessary.
Close vision and ability to focus.
Ability to tolerate escalated and occasionally destructive client behavior and frequent demands for attention, time, and work tasks.

Nice To Haves

College coursework in social sciences or related human services.
Work or volunteer experience with special-needs populations and/or youth or high-risk youth.
Experience with youth mentoring and service delivery.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned work and train incoming staff and volunteers on applicable duties, processes, and policies.
Directly supervise clients in accordance with program and licensing requirements, including teaching independent living skills and goal setting, providing educational support, and mediating conversations among clients.
Transport clients in Agency vehicles to and from school, appointments, and other assigned outings.
Facilitate communication and collaboration between Case Managers, Site Specialists, and volunteers; answer questions and support coworkers as needed.
Assess client eligibility and assist with documentation for intake, enrollment, and shelter placement.
Support program goals and a positive work culture; ensure data collection and quality, and enter service usage information into HMIS and Shelter Point.
Respond to guest questions about clothing, snacks, blankets, restrooms, charging stations, and local resources.
Monitor resident program expectations and support the program through house cleaning, site upkeep, laundry, and other supportive services.
Support client engagement and assistance by answering the telephone, sorting mail, and monitoring client and facility safety.
Help maintain a calm, clean, and safe environment for residents alongside staff and volunteers.
Share information, resources, and referrals about community partnerships and resources.
Promote a safe and healing environment for people who have experienced trauma through trauma-informed engagement, clear boundaries, and supportive case management.
Attend required annual trainings and remain current on ARCHES program policies and procedures.
Support nutrition staff with kitchen tasks, including cooking meals.
Participate in community outreach to local organizations, camps, and groups as directed by a supervisor.
Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers.
Facilitate dispensing medications to clients in accordance with proper protocols.
Perform other assigned duties and reasonably related business duties.
Maintain punctuality, reliable attendance, and positive, professional relationships with team members and clients.