Youth Assessment Specialist - HOME Youth Services

HOME Youth Services Wants You to Join Their Team! The Youth Assessment Specialist plays an integral role in ending homelessness within Marion and Polk Counties. The person in this position will work with homeless youth to assess their risk for homelessness and help seek resources and housing in Marion and Polk counties.

Candidates must submit application by 2/14/2025 in order to be considered for first round interviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Four years of relevant social services experience.

• Knowledge of/or experience with the principles of trauma-informed care, trauma awareness, working with youth or vulnerable populations is preferred.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• 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 comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.

• Candidate must pass Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check.

• Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification is required within first 30 days of hire.

• Food Handler's Card or ability to obtain within 30 days.

• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must possess computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, data entry, and internet applications.

• Effective customer service, phone skills, as well as writing and appropriate email etiquette.

• Must possess time management skills, meet deadlines, and process cases accurately with a sense of urgency.

• Exhibits a positive attitude and engages with others in a cooperative and supportive manner.

• Knowledge of de-escalation tactics, trauma-informed care, active listening, crisis intervention, flexibility, and adaptability to changing

• Must be willing to work day, evenings and weekend shifts as needed.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

• Meets with youth in schools, offices, and encampments who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. Uses assessment tools to determine what programs the individual is eligible for and what would give them the best chance for long-term success.

• Assists clients in accessing services beyond housing, including but not limited to food, childcare, education, mental health services, healthcare, and transportation resources.

• Examines applications to determine applicant eligibility and gathers document verification as required.

• Responsible for accurate and timely data entry and data management, specifically for clients on the applicant interest list.

• Applies crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.

• Maintains flexibility and works within a collaborative team to assure that program structure meets the needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Walking and/or hiking long distances multiple times a week into various locations including camps and parks.

• Required to frequently reach with hands and arms; regularly required to climb or balance; required to stand; walk; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• Regularly