Youth Assessment Specialist - Home Youth Services

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency • Salem, OR

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

MWVCAA is seeking a mission-driven individual to join their community as a Youth Assessment Specialist. This role is dedicated to reducing the impacts of poverty by investing in people and their futures. The Youth Assessment Specialist will support daily operations, answer client questions, perform data collection and entry, and assist clients in navigating resources and other special tasks as needed. This team offers significant growth opportunities and professional development through hands-on experience. The position requires flexibility in shifts, including some weekend or after-hours events, and operates on a Day Shift, Monday-Friday schedule.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Four years of relevant social services experience.
• 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 comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.
• Candidate must pass Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check.
• Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification is required within first 30 days of hire.
• Food Handler's Card or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.
• Must possess computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, data entry, and internet applications.
• Effective customer service, phone skills, as well as writing and appropriate email etiquette.
• Must possess time management skills, meet deadlines, and process cases accurately with a sense of urgency.
• Exhibits a positive attitude and engages with others in a cooperative and supportive manner.
• Knowledge of de-escalation tactics, trauma-informed care, active listening, crisis intervention, flexibility, and adaptability to changing circumstances.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of/or experience with the principles of trauma-informed care, trauma awareness, working with youth, young adults, or vulnerable populations is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Responsibilities

• Meets with youth and young adults in schools, offices, and encampments who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless.
• Uses assessment tools to determine program eligibility and identify the best path for long-term success.
• Assists clients in accessing services beyond housing, including food, childcare, education, mental health services, healthcare, and transportation.
• Examines applications to determine applicant eligibility and gathers document verification.
• Responsible for accurate and timely data entry and data management for clients on the applicant interest list.
• Applies crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.
• Maintains flexibility and works within a collaborative team to ensure program structure meets the needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Respects the confidentiality of information about Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency clients, staff, personnel issues, and other program operations.
• Assists the Program Coordinator and Program Manager in ongoing data management and reporting.
• Helps conduct outreach to locations in Marion and Polk counties and provides informative training and assessments as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 401k contribution after 1 year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life insurance
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
• For some positions, employees may be eligible for company‑sponsored continuing education

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED