Youth Site Specialist - Home Youth Services - Swing

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency • Salem, OR

7d • Onsite

About The Position

MWVCAA is seeking a mission-driven individual to join their team as a Youth Site Specialist at the Home Youth Services shelters. This role involves directly supervising at-risk youth, assisting them in obtaining basic needs and navigating resources, and ensuring a safe environment. The Youth Site Specialist acts as a point person for building connections, mentoring, and providing valuable resources to youth residents. The team offers growth opportunities and professional development through hands-on experience. This is a Swing Shift position.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Four or more years of work or volunteering experience in fast-paced customer service, healthcare, education, social or community services or related public-facing sectors; or equivalent combination of education, experience and training may be accepted.
• Driver qualifications are required for this position.
• Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.
• Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening and an Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check prior to employment.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.
• 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 trainings and/or certifications required 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.
• Demonstrated proficiencies in Microsoft Office (including Outlook), videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.
• Exhibits a positive attitude and engages with others in a cooperative and supportive manner.
• Demonstrates tact, diplomacy and empathy when communicating formally and informally with clients, staff and program partners.
• Consistent punctuality and reliable attendance are essential requirements for this role.
• Ability to work effectively and maintain positive, professional relationships with team members and clients.
• Regularly lift and/or move 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling personal items, food, cleaning equipment and supplies, clothing, sacks, carts, office equipment and use of computers and written in-take processing.
• Requires frequent moving/walking and standing in the shelter setting and outdoor spaces.
• Frequent/occasional driving in all weather conditions in Marion and Polk counties.
• Maintains calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated, applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.
• Regulates emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff.
• Regulates emotions and handles pressures of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks.
• Ability to reach and/or extend to access materials or equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to focus.
• Able to physically and mentally tolerate escalated, and occasionally destructive behavior from clients.
• Able to de-escalate others and respond calmly, and lead others in a crisis.
• Ability to proceed independently in accordance with Agency and program policies, guidelines, and initiatives.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs safely and repeatedly.
• Ability to navigate multiple floors without the use of an elevator when necessary.

Nice To Haves

• College course work in social sciences or related human services preferred but not required.
• Preference will be given to candidates with work or volunteer experience working with special needs population and/or experience working with youth or high-risk youth.
• Experience with youth mentoring and service delivery is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as primary point of contact for respective work shift.
• Trains incoming staff members and volunteers on applicable duties, processes, and policies.
• Answers questions and aids coworkers as needed.
• Provides direct supervision to clients in adherence to program and licensing requirements, including teaching independent living skills and goal setting, providing educational support, and mediating conversations among clients as needed.
• Provides client transportation in Agency vehicles to and from school, to and from appointments, and to other assigned outings.
• Facilitates communication and collaboration between Case Managers, Site Specialists and volunteers.
• Assesses client eligibility and aids in gathering documentation as required for intake, enrollment, and shelter placement.
• Focuses team toward primary program goals and exemplifies a positive work culture.
• Ensures data collection and quality.
• Inputs service usage information into the Health Management Information System (HMIS) and Shelter Point.
• Responds to guest questions about clothing, snacks, blankets, restrooms, charging stations and local resources.
• Monitors the program expectations of residents.
• Provides program support, such as house cleaning, site upkeep, laundry and supportive services.
• Supports client engagement and assistance, including answering the telephone, sorting mail, and monitoring client and facility safety.
• Assists other staff and volunteers in providing a calm, clean, and safe environment for residents.
• Shares information, resources and referrals about community partnerships and resources.
• Promotes a safe and healing environment for individuals that are victims of trauma through trauma informed engagements, clear boundaries, and supportive case management.
• Attends and engages in required annual trainings and remains up-to-date on policies and procedures for the ARCHES program.
• Supports nutrition staff as needed by completing various kitchen tasks, including cooking meals.
• Participates in Community Outreach to local organizations, camps, and groups as directed by supervisor.
• Maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers at all times.
• Facilitates dispensing of medications to clients following proper protocols.
• Performs routine safety and/or bed checks following site protocols.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 401k contribution after 1 year.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Life insurance.
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance.
• For some positions, employees may be eligible for company‑sponsored continuing education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED