On-Call Youth Site Specialist - Home Youth Services

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Site Specialist 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 builds connections with youth residents through mentoring and access to resources. The position serves Marion and Polk counties and is on call for up to 19 hours weekly. It requires on-site work and is not eligible for remote work. The role supports youth through supervision, independent-living skills, goal setting, educational support, transportation, intake and eligibility assistance, referrals, and trauma-informed engagement. It also contributes to shelter operations, including safety monitoring, data entry, cleaning, laundry, kitchen tasks, medication dispensing under protocol, community outreach, and coordination with case managers, site specialists, volunteers, and other staff. The employee must maintain professional boundaries, attend required trainings, and provide reliable attendance.

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 training 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.
Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.
Ability to communicate with tact, diplomacy, and empathy and to engage cooperatively and supportively.
Consistent punctuality and reliable attendance.
Ability to work effectively and maintain positive, professional relationships with team members and clients.
Ability to lift and/or move 20 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Manual dexterity to handle personal items, food, cleaning equipment and supplies, clothing, sacks, carts, office equipment, computers, and written intake processing.
Ability to walk and stand frequently in shelter and outdoor settings, drive in all weather conditions in Marion and Polk counties, reach or extend to access materials or equipment, and safely ascend and descend stairs repeatedly, including navigating multiple floors without an elevator when necessary.
Ability to remain calm and regulate emotions when responding to escalated clients or staff, frequent demands, and pressure; apply crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques 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, guidelines, and initiatives.
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.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for the respective work area.
Train incoming staff members and volunteers on applicable duties, processes, and policies, and answer questions and assist coworkers.
Directly supervise clients in accordance with program and licensing requirements.
Teach independent-living skills and goal setting, provide educational support, and mediate conversations among clients as needed.
Transport clients in Agency vehicles to and from school, appointments, and 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 exemplify 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 residents' adherence to program expectations.
Provide program support, including house cleaning, site upkeep, laundry, and supportive services.
Support client engagement 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 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 the supervisor.
Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers.
Facilitate medication dispensing to clients according to proper protocols.
Perform other duties as assigned.