Youth Site Specialist - Home Youth Services - Graveyard

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Site Specialist (YSS) directly supervises at-risk youth and helps them obtain basic needs and navigate resources while maintaining a safe space at HOME Youth Services shelters. The role provides basic shelter services and serves as a point person for building connections, mentoring, and connecting youth residents with resources. The position works the graveyard shift from 12:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and requires on-site work; it is not eligible for remote work. The role offers hands-on experience, growth opportunities, and professional development. The employee serves as the primary point of contact for the assigned shift, supports clients and coworkers, and works with Case Managers, Site Specialists, and volunteers. The position has no supervisory duties. Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential. Employees may also perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

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 license, an insured vehicle available for job use, 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 when engaging with others.
Tact, diplomacy, and empathy when communicating 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; handle personal items, food, cleaning equipment and supplies, clothing, sacks, carts, office equipment, and computers; and perform written intake processing.
Ability to frequently walk and stand 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 clients or others are escalated; apply crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques; manage frequent demands for attention, time, and work tasks; tolerate escalated and occasionally destructive client behavior; and respond calmly and lead others in a crisis.
Ability to 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; 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.
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 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 the Health Management Information System (HMIS).
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 trauma-affected individuals 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.
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 in accordance with proper protocols.
Perform routine safety and bed checks according to site protocols.
Perform other duties as assigned.