Youth Specialist (Part-Time)

The Flourish Initiative•Columbia, MO

About The Position

The Youth Specialist helps provide a safe and stable home for at least six youth ages 16–20 experiencing homelessness. The role oversees day-to-day operations at The Flourish Home and addresses residents’ immediate and basic needs while supporting their overall well-being and preparation for independent living and long-term financial stability. The Youth Specialist collaborates with program managers, coordinators, and specialists across departments to coordinate comprehensive wrap-around support. The position includes building trusting relationships with residents, modeling appropriate behavior, supporting their participation in services and progress toward individual goals, and teaching independent living skills. It also involves helping with residents’ daily needs, school and work routines, meals, transportation, household upkeep, program expectations, and required confidential documentation. The Youth Specialist follows organizational policies, participates in Flourish Initiative events, and incorporates current best practices and community resource knowledge into their work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study, such as Social Work, Education, Sociology, Human Development, or Public Health, and/or experience working with youth in public education or other community human service organizations.
Valid Missouri driver’s license.
Must be able to pass state and federal background screening.
Effective communication and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to manage time and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
Ability to thrive in a highly cooperative work setting.
Organizational and information-management skills.
High attention to detail.
Exemplary customer-service skills and a client-centered approach.
Ability to excel in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
Ability to authentically engage and build trust with diverse individuals.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with marginalized youth and/or families.
Skill in public speaking and creating presentations and/or trainings.
Project management and/or program coordination experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other basic computer technologies.

Responsibilities

Build trusting relationships with youth.
Serve as an appropriate role model and implement guidelines and discipline as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of youth in care.
Collaborate with the Lead Program Coordinator and other staff to support residents’ participation in services and progress toward individual goals.
Teach, model, and assist youth in practicing independent living skills, including budgeting, shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and conflict resolution.
Assist youth with dressing, homework, hygiene, health needs, medication, and other basic needs as needed.
Ensure residents are ready for school or work when applicable, and receive them home from school, work, and free time.
Plan, shop for, and prepare daily evening meals and weekend meal prep, according to the applicable shift duties.
Transport youth to school, work, community events, appointments, and other goal-related activities.
Help youth review and comply with program expectations, including curfews, room time, and cleaning duties.
Complete daily and weekly cleaning-list chores.
Perform organizational and basic home maintenance or improvement tasks to support safe and orderly home operations.
Complete required documentation for each resident in a timely manner while maintaining confidentiality.
Comply with Flourish Initiative Policies and Procedures.
Participate in Flourish Initiative events.
Stay current on evidence-based best practices and community resources, and incorporate that knowledge into practice.
Perform other duties as assigned.