Youth Assessment Specialist - ARCHES Project

The ARCHES Project is looking for a Youth Assessment Specialist 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 applications by 07/01/2024 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/GED and two years of experience working or volunteering in social service related field with preference given to those working specifically with those experiencing acute mental health crisis or homeless populations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

• Driver Qualification Status required for this position. Valid driver license and insured vehicle available for use on the job. Satisfactory drive record for previous five years.

• Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA and DHS background screening

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must possess basic computer knowledge, including knowledge in email use/etiquette.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and

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

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Bilingual English-Spanish capabilities may be required depending on the needs of the program. To qualify as bilingual, staff must possess demonstrated abilities to speak, write, and read fluently in Spanish and English and pass a bilingual test. *Bilingual staff may receive a pay differential based on program language needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee 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

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

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

• Responsibleforaccurateandtimelydataentryanddatamanagement,specificallyforclientsontheapplicantinterest

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

• Maintainsflexibilityandworkswithinacollaborativeteamtoassurethatprogramstructuremeetstheneedsofindividualsand families experiencing

• Respects the confidentiality of information about Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency clients, staff, personnel issues, and other program.

• Assists the Program Coordinator and Program Manager in ongoing data management and

• Helps conduct outreach to locations in Marion and Polk counties and provides informative training and assessments as requested.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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 lift and/or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Manual dexterity for handling office equipment.

• Maintains calm disposition and regulates emotions when clients or other may become escalated.

• Regulates emotions and handles pressures of frequent demands for attention, time, and various work tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequently exposed to outside weather conditions, driving in all

• Close quarters, often with a homeless/public or other client