Youth Site Specialist - Home Youth Services - Day

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Site Specialist provides direct supervision to at-risk youth at Home Youth Services shelters, helps them access basic needs and community resources, and supports a safe, calm, and healing environment. The role includes mentoring, building connections with youth residents, and providing shelter services and supportive case management. The position is on-site and requires work outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The specialist serves as the primary point of contact for the assigned shift, supports coworkers and volunteers, and helps maintain program operations, client safety, and service records. Duties include transportation, intake and eligibility support, resident engagement, facility upkeep, medication dispensing according to protocol, and participation in outreach and required training. The role may also involve cooking and other kitchen tasks. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

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, related public-facing sectors, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
Valid driver's license, an insured vehicle available for use on the job, 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 CPR/First Aid, Food Handlers, Mandatory Reporting, Privacy Laws, Trauma Informed Care, Suicide Intervention, Behavior Management Interventions, and Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect trainings and/or certifications within the first 30 days of employment.
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.
Demonstrate a positive, cooperative, and supportive approach, and tact, diplomacy, and empathy in communication.
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; walk and stand frequently; drive in all weather conditions; reach and extend; and safely ascend and descend stairs repeatedly, including navigating multiple floors without an elevator when necessary.
Ability to maintain composure under pressure, regulate emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff, use crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, and tolerate escalated or occasionally destructive client behavior.
Ability to proceed independently in accordance with Agency and program policies, guidelines, and initiatives.
Ability to perform duties in close quarters, with frequent interruptions, exposure to trash and potential biohazards, and occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.

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; preference will be given to candidates with this experience.
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 members and volunteers on applicable duties, processes, and policies; answer questions and assist coworkers as needed.
Directly supervise clients in accordance with program and licensing requirements, including teaching independent living skills and goal setting, providing educational support, and mediating conversations 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.
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.
Support shelter operations through house cleaning, site upkeep, laundry, and other supportive services.
Support client engagement by answering the telephone, sorting mail, and monitoring 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 who have experienced trauma through trauma-informed engagement, clear boundaries, and supportive case management.
Attend required annual trainings and remain up to date on ARCHES program policies and procedures.
Support nutrition staff with kitchen tasks, including cooking meals, as needed.
Participate in community outreach to local organizations, camps, and groups as directed by the supervisor.
Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers.
Facilitate dispensing medications to clients following proper protocols.
Perform routine safety and/or bed checks according to site protocols.
Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.
Maintain punctuality, reliable attendance, and positive professional relationships with team members and clients.