Youth Specialist - Drop In Services

Friends of Youth • Kirkland, WA

2d

About The Position

The Youth Specialist of Drop-In Services works to create and maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. They provide direct services, referrals, and basic need supplies, while administering the policies and procedures that help to ensure a safe and clean facility.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience, providing direct services to young adults.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must satisfactorily pass criminal history check.
• Must satisfactorily pass tuberculosis (TB) test.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must successfully complete the following health certification requirements within 30 days of employment: Food Handler’s Card, CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens.
• Able to engage with diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by honoring and celebrating diverse characteristics and expressions of personal identity.
• Strong commitment to Friends of Youth’s mission, vision, and values.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Able to maintain strong personal and professional boundaries.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with youth and young adults.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction philosophy and strengths-based practice.
• Proficient skill set with Microsoft Office programs.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in English and Spanish encouraged.
• Demonstrated knowledge of MS365 Power Platform.

Responsibilities

• Support young people in accessing food, clothing, hygiene supplies and other basic need items.
• Provide a safe, caring, and non-judgmental environment for all young people accessing services.
• Ensure the rules, policies and procedures of Drop-In Services are adhered to.
• Conduct searches of each guest’ belongings at check-in time to ensure the removal of any prohibited items.
• Provide referrals to appropriate resources such as case management, education, employment, housing, mental health, and substance use services.
• Act as a role model for all young people accessing services.
• Monitor laundry and shower use.
• Organize food, furniture, resources, and any other equipment needed for daily activities.
• Wash, dry and fold bedding, towels, and guests’ laundry.
• Monitor and assist with scheduling programming.
• Assist with the coordination of the Youth Advisory Board.
• Conduct walk-arounds of the surrounding area before and after Drop-In Services.
• Ensure the facility remains clean after Drop-In Services have concluded, e.g., putting away food, washing dishes, sweeping, cleaning surfaces, etc.
• Maintain daily records of guests in Salesforce.
• Maintain consistent record keeping of items distributed to guests.
• Participate in the coordination of grant reporting.
• Maintain record of disciplinary actions, bars and restorative justice.
• Participate in individual supervision, case consultation meetings and team meetings.

Benefits

• 15 vacation days per year with annual accrual interests, paid sick leave, 11 paid holidays, 2 personal days and 2 social justice leave days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Medical, dental and vision coverage; 24/7 access to telehealth
• 403(b) retirement plan and matching
• Long-term disability insurance and life insurance
• Professional development opportunities are available 24/7 on our online learning platform
• All employees and their immediate family members can receive free counseling and mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

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