Youth Site Specialist - Home Youth Services - Day

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

3d•$23 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Site Specialist works at the Home Youth Services shelters, directly supervising at-risk youth and helping them obtain basic needs and navigate resources while maintaining a safe, calm, and supportive environment. The specialist serves as the primary point of contact for their work shift and builds connections with youth through mentoring, supportive engagement, resource referrals, and assistance with basic shelter services. The role includes supporting youth with independent living skills, goal setting, educational needs, intake and shelter placement, transportation, and access to community resources. The specialist also helps maintain shelter operations, including site upkeep, data entry, safety checks, medication dispensing under established protocols, and assistance with meals. The position requires on-site work, reliable attendance, and work outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least four 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 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 trainings 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 to working with others.
Tact, diplomacy, and empathy in formal and informal communication with clients, staff, and program partners.
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 frequently walk and stand in shelter settings and outdoor spaces, 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 drive frequently or occasionally in all weather conditions in Marion and Polk counties.
Ability to remain calm with escalated clients or others, apply crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, regulate emotions under pressure, and tolerate escalated or occasionally destructive client behavior.
Ability to work independently in accordance with Agency and program policies, guidelines, and initiatives.
Close vision and ability to focus.
Ability to work on-site; the position is not eligible for remote work.

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 assigned work shift.
Train incoming staff and volunteers on applicable duties, processes, and policies, and assist coworkers as needed.
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 assist with documentation for intake, enrollment, and shelter placement.
Support program goals and contribute to a positive work culture.
Collect and maintain service data, including entering 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, answer telephone calls, sort mail, and monitor client and facility safety.
Help 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 a supervisor.
Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers.
Dispense medications to clients in accordance with proper protocols.
Perform routine safety and bed checks according to site protocols.
Perform other duties as assigned.