Youth Support Specialist - HOME Youth Services

The HOME Youth Services Program is seeking a new Youth Support Specialist to join their team! The Youth Support Specialist (YSS) directly supervises at-risk youth and assists youth in obtaining basic needs and navigating resources, while ensuring a safe space at HOME. The YSS helps youth learn life skills, build positive relationships and navigate public and social services available in the community. This position may work weekends and holidays to ensure youth are receiving care at all times.

There are multiple vacancies for this position. Available shifts include Swing-shift and Graveyard-shift.

Candidates must submit application by 1/31/2025 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

• Two or more years of work or volunteering experience in fast-paced customer service, healthcare, education, social/community services or related public-facing sectors;

• College course work in social sciences or related human services preferred but not required.

• Equivalent combinations of education, various experience and training may be accepted.

• Preferred Qualifications:

  • Work or volunteer experience working with special needs population and/or experience working with youth or high risk youth ages 11-18.

  • Prior training or experience in the following areas: CPR/First Aid, Food Handlers card, Mandatory reporting, privacy laws, trauma informed care, suicide intervention, collaborative problem solving, and recognizing and reporting child abuse & neglect.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to build and maintain healthy boundaries and relationships with youth and community partners.

• Desirable skillsets include: de-escalation, motivational interviewing, role-modeling, active-listening, flexibility and adaptive to changing circumstances, light cooking, housekeeping and close monitoring and supervision of youth.

• Proficiencies in the use of Microsoft Office, such as Word and Outlook.

• Ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form; read and interpret policies and instructions.

• Ability to utilize video conferencing, navigating and communicating on social media, and general technology skills.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATION

• Driver qualifications required for this position. Valid driver license and insured vehicle available for use on the job with satisfactory drive record for the past 5 years.

• Pass Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check.

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

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

YOUTH RESIDENT SUPERVISION

• Provides direct supervision to youth in adherence to program and licensing requirements.

• Teaches independent living skills & goal setting.

• Mediates conversations among youth as needed.

• Directs youth in daily and weekly chores.

• Facilitates and provides support for daily study hall.

• Assists youth in completing goals defined in their case plans.

• Issues appropriate consequences as needed according to policy and procedure.

YOUTH PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

• Works with management to develop, revamp, and/or review procedures and programs as needed.

• Answers the phone: direct calls or take messages appropriately (land line, cell phone and social media).

• Takes crisis calls: conduct crisis intervention over the phone and in-person (land line, cell phone and social media).

• Completes intake, call logs, and exit paperwork in