Youth Initiatives and School Liaison - Appian Way

Mercy Housing • Kent, WA

17d • Onsite

About The Position

Mercy Housing is hiring a Youth Initiatives and School Liaison to create out-of-school programming for youth in partnership with local schools. The programming promotes school success—including attendance, behavior, and coursework—and student empowerment. The role collaborates with school personnel and community partners to advance youth initiatives and support well-rounded student development. The position is based at Appian Way Apartments in Kent, Washington, and pays $28.06–$30.50, depending on experience. There is a strong preference for bilingual candidates who speak English and Dari or Pashto.

The liaison delivers after-school and youth programming, tracks participation and outcomes, builds partnerships with schools and community organizations, engages parents and caregivers, assesses resident needs, and connects families with resources. The role also supports community engagement and resident well-being, recognizes student achievements, reports suspected abuse or neglect as required by state law, and participates in training and professional development.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of experience in community development, social services, or a related field.
• At least six months of full-time-equivalent experience, gained since age 18, providing programming and supervising at least six children.
• Experience working with the public school system and promoting positive outcomes in attendance, behavior, and coursework.
• Experience with youth programming.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment while valuing diverse perspectives.
• Strong verbal, written, and listening skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately manage sensitive information.
• Experience working with individuals facing mental health, disability, substance use, legal, or financial challenges.
• Ability to assess resident needs and connect people effectively to resources.
• Ability to motivate individuals to participate actively in services and programs.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Experience conducting community assessments, organizing community programs or events, and applying conflict management principles.
• Supervisory experience.
• Relevant lived experience connected to the essential duties of the role.
• Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto; bilingual English/Dari or English/Pashto candidates are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver after-school and youth programming that supports academic success, grade advancement, and student empowerment.
• Track program participation and outcomes, maintain accurate data, and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
• Build partnerships with schools, teachers, counselors, and community organizations to support resident youth.
• Engage parents and caregivers, create opportunities to address concerns, and strengthen family involvement.
• Conduct resident needs assessments and connect individuals and families to community resources and services.
• Develop on-site partnerships to expand services and enhance community engagement.
• Recognize student achievements and promote program impact to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with site staff to support resident stability and community well-being.
• Report suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with state law.
• Participate in trainings and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Early close Fridays with three paid hours each Friday.
• Early close before a holiday with three paid hours.
• Paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Several healthcare plans to choose from.
• Dental insurance, including plans covering adult and child orthodontia; free basic dental is available.
• Vision insurance.
• 15 days of earned PTO in the first year.
• 12 company holidays and two floating holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid volunteer time.
• Paid parental leave and caregiver leave.
• Paid life insurance.
• Free employee assistance plan.
• Pet insurance options.

What This Job Offers

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