Youth Specialist – Passageways (Full-time)

Description

Mission: The Link works with youth and young families to overcome the impacts of poverty and social injustice. Our 23 programs provide supportive housing, intensive case management services, and skills development to youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness, sex trafficking and/or involvement in the juvenile justice system. The Link prides itself on its innovative, youth-centered, strengths-based programming for youth and families as well as programs that are co-designed, implemented and overseen by youth.

Position Specifics

• Hiring Salary Range: $20.24-$23.00/hour base pay based on qualifications, with additional 10% geographic differential 
• Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
• According to Minnesota State Administrative Rule 2960.0100, Subp. 6,C, employees of Children's Residential Facilities must be at least 21 years of age. 
• Note: This position requires driving. To be able to drive on behalf of The Link, candidates must have a valid driver's license, be able to successfully clear a criminal and motor vehicle background check, and maintain personal insurance at the levels of $100,000 Bodily Injury/Per Person and $300,000 Bodily Injury/Per Accident. Job offer is contingent on having these requirements. 

BASIC FUNCTION

The Youth Specialists are responsible for the 24-7 safety, supervision, and security of the youth and building at The Link’s Safe Harbor Emergency Shelter and Housing Program for commercially sexually exploited youth. This position provides program supervision and is responsible for supporting youth and promoting a safe, supportive, and nurturing atmosphere. The position is also responsible for assisting in the holistic case-management support of youth and for developing, supporting and implementing youth programming that is culturally competent and grounded in positive youth development, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• High level supervision of youth and facility at the Safe Harbor Shelter and Housing Program to ensure safety and security for all youth, staff, and community
• Consistently and fairly enforce shelter and supportive housing policies
• Develop and facilitate social, educational, and recreational activities that are grounded in youth development and trauma-informed care
• Interact with police and child welfare for youth who are dropped off to ensure as smooth a transition as possible
• Develop nurturing relationships and maintain healthy professional boundaries
• Conduct full intake with youth entering shelter
• Assist with case management and coordination of services
• Operates phone, security, and front desk systems to create a safe, secure program at all times
• Provide clear and daily communication with Program Manager and other team members to ensure holistic, consistent support and services are in place
• Light cleaning and office maintenance
• Group facilitation
• Complete progress/case notes and maintain participant records
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation services as needed
• Provide transportation as necessary or assigned
• Create and maintain a community and culture that is warm, welcoming and supportive of all youth 24-7

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preserve the integrity of the programs and agency
• Demonstrate commitment to The Link’s mission and vision, and values of equity, diversity and inclusion
• Support the overall growth of the agency
• Maintain positive and healthy relationships with co-workers and other related parties
• Assist where needed as a team player
• Create a safe, respectful, and healthy atmosphere and environment where everyone can grow and learn
• Participate in special projects as necessary
• Attend all meetings and trainings as required
• Maintain positive and professional interactions with clients, co-workers, and all parties involved
• All other duties as assigned 

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Desire to continuously learn for personal and professional growth
• High level of personal and professional integrity, including ability to protect and maintain confidentiality and data privacy 
• Knowledge of advocacy toward girls and women’s rights, gender-based violence, and/or the commercial sexual exploitation of minors
• Creative and able to engage a diverse range of needs and learning styles
• High level of attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively with and relate to diverse populations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially for client advocacy