Youth Shelter Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for providing guidance, supervision, information and services to YNC participants within YNC Shelter Programs utilizing non-judgmental and positive youth development practices. This position is responsible for following all organizational policies and procedures. Youth Shelter Specialists will be assigned to Hutton House, Pathways, and/or the Low Barrier Emergency Shelter.

DUTIES:

• Assure a safe, non-judgmental environment for program participants.
• Maintain facility according to licensing and/or agency standards.
• Operate agency vehicles to transport clients and complete routine deliveries and pick-ups.
• Establish and monitor daily living routine and reinforce positive, productive self-sufficient lifestyle for all youth.
• Perform crisis prevention, intervention and management while adhering to agency protocols for responding, reporting and seeking support.
• Build rapport with youth and act as a positive role model and safe adult while maintaining and facilitating healthy boundaries.
• Facilitate educational, social, recreational and employment activities for youth.
• Support each youth's plan to access continuing education and/or employment endeavors and address any biological, psychological or social issues that may lead to homelessness or other non-productive lifestyles.
• Adhere to established shift procedures.
• Accurate completing of all required documentation including data entry.
• Maintain clear and thorough communication with Supervisor and Manager around all programmatic and personnel issues.
• Provide immediate trauma-informed, harm reduction response to a range of crisis presented by youth with focus on de-escalation, short term problem solving, improved decision making, utilization of healthy coping skills and referral to services.
• Attend team meetings, trainings, and supervision meetings.
• Monitor and enforce rules of the program.
• Arbitrate disputes and provide a sounding board for complaints and concerns.
• Follow all legal and licensing regulations and requirements for the program.
• Follow all emergency procedures to assure the safety of youth, family, staff and property.
• At designated times, shop for food and prepare and cook meals for program participants.
• Accept and utilize supervision and receive corrective feedback from supervisory staff.
• Complete incident reports on any facility damage, medical emergencies or any incident which occurs out of the ordinary daily functioning of the facility.
• Provide emergency shift coverage if necessary.
• Preparation of assigned reports, work records, statistical data, job performance evaluations, work plans, etc. in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Low Barrier Shelter Focused Duties:

• Conduct regular rounds of facility (including bed checks and grounds checks) and interact with clients to share information, provide supplies, and facilitate interventions.
• Provide support during Check-in and Check-out to ensure safe and complete screening of residents.
• Monitor shower/laundry/dinner schedule.
• Assist with set up and clean-up of Low Barrier Shelter activities daily.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 6 months related experience and/or training.
• High School diploma or GED required.
• Meet all state licensing requirements for group homes; including all employees at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Experience working with youth or young adults and/or experience working in shelters or group homes preferred.
• Experience and ability to work effectively with youth, adults, and community members.
• Prior experience working with historically underserved youth and families preferred.
• Ability to handle crisis situations and decide appropriate course of action.
• Ability to push or pull up to 25 pounds.
• Pass agency paid criminal justice screening including fingerprints.
• Pass agency paid TB (Tuberculosis) screening.
• Pass agency paid health screening and/or drug testing, if required.
• First Aid training within seven (7) days of employment, re-certification as necessary.
• Valid California driver's license and current proof of auto insurance coverage, preferred.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Represent the agency in a professional and competent manner.
• Advocate for the best interests of the agency and clients we serve.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, clients, supervisors and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Will promote and support a culturally and linguistically diverse workforce.
• Maintain confidentiality and confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or agency regulations.
• Participate in assigned scheduled agency meetings, in-service trainings, conferences and other trainings as determined by the supervisor.
• Observance of assigned working hours and program appointments by demonstrating promptness and thorough preparation.
• Performance of assigned duties with a positive attitude and in the spirit of teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Perform job duties in a safe manner to ensure a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Participates in and/or supports agency fund development activities and events.