Youth Site Specialist - Home Youth Services - Swing

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

5d•$23 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Site Specialist works at Home Youth Services shelters, directly supervising at-risk youth and helping them obtain basic needs and navigate community resources while maintaining a safe space. The role provides basic shelter services and helps build connections with youth residents through mentoring and referrals. It is an on-site position requiring work outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and four or more years of relevant public-facing work or volunteer experience, or an accepted equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. College coursework in social sciences or related human services is preferred but not required.

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, or related public-facing sectors; an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be accepted.
Valid driver's license, an insured vehicle available for job use, and a satisfactory driving record for the previous three years.
Pass 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 trainings and/or certifications within the first 30 days: 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 when engaging with others.
Tact, diplomacy, and empathy in formal and informal communication with clients, staff, and program partners.
Reliable attendance and punctuality, and ability to maintain positive, professional relationships with team members and clients.
Ability to lift and/or move 20 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally; perform manual tasks; frequently walk and stand; reach and extend; and ascend and descend stairs repeatedly, including navigating multiple floors without an elevator when necessary.
Ability to drive frequently or occasionally in all weather conditions in Marion and Polk counties.
Ability to remain calm and regulate emotions when handling escalated behavior, crises, frequent demands, and pressure; ability to de-escalate others and lead others in a crisis.
Ability to tolerate escalated and occasionally destructive client behavior and proceed independently in accordance with Agency and program policies.
Close vision and ability to focus.

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 is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for the assigned work shift.
Train incoming staff and volunteers on duties, processes, and policies; answer questions and assist coworkers.
Directly supervise clients in accordance with program and licensing requirements, including teaching independent living skills and goal setting, providing educational support, and mediating conversations.
Transport clients in Agency vehicles to and from school, appointments, and other assigned outings.
Facilitate communication and collaboration among Case Managers, Site Specialists, and volunteers.
Assess client eligibility and help gather documentation for intake, enrollment, and shelter placement.
Focus the team on program goals and promote a positive work culture.
Ensure data collection and quality, including entering service usage information into HMIS and Shelter Point.
Respond to guest questions about clothing, snacks, blankets, restrooms, charging stations, and local resources.
Monitor residents' adherence to program expectations.
Provide program support, including house cleaning, site upkeep, laundry, and supportive services.
Support client engagement and assistance by answering the telephone, sorting mail, and monitoring client and facility safety.
Help staff and volunteers maintain a calm, clean, and safe environment for residents.
Share information, resources, and referrals about community partnerships and resources.
Promote a safe and healing environment for people affected by 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 the supervisor.
Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers.
Facilitate medication dispensing to clients according to protocols.
Perform routine safety and bed checks according to site protocols.
Perform other assigned duties.