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 atrisk 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 Swingshift and Graveyardshift.

Candidates must submit application by 5/28/2025 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 fastpaced customer service healthcare education social/community services or related publicfacing 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 1118.

  • 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: deescalation motivational interviewing rolemodeling activelistening 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 preemployment and random drug/alcohol screenings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be allinclusive. 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 inperson (land line cell phone and social media).

• Completes intake call logs and exit paperwork in an accurate and professional manner.

• Completes timely data entry shift logs and client notes.

• Maintains building appearance by completing necessary tasks before shift change.

OTHER DUTIES

• Effectively presents information and responds to questions from clients customers partners and the general public.

• Demonstrates experience and understanding in working with atrisk youth including those experiencing homelessness as well as community partners and social service agencies.

• Creates and maintains positive relationships with youth and their families with ethical boundaries.

• Applies creativity in daily activities and dealing with challenges.

• Accurately documents and reports all services both in print and electronically in adherence to agency and licensing requirements.

SPECIALIZED DUTIES THAT MAY BE SHARED BETWEEN ALL YOUTH SUPPORT SPECIALISTS:

• Conducts street outreach.

• Facilitates group activities.

• Provides educational tutoring.

• Dispenses medication to youth.

• Provides transportation to youth via program vehicle.

• Implements and participates in shelter activities.

• Conducts regular bedchecks during bedtime hours.

• Support & mentor volunteers and interns.

• Crosstrain to work at Taylors House (emergency house for youth ages 1118) and The Drop In as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

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

• Required to frequently reach; required to stand; walk; stoop kneel crouch and rarely crawl. Mobility to get to multiple levels in house/facility without an elevator is required.

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

• Manual dexterity for handling office equipment preparing food/cooking checking for hidden items in beds backpacks facilities on persons.

• Frequent driving in all weather conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Close quarters often with a population experiencing homelessness with additional barriers such as mental illness and substance use.

• Frequent noise and distractions in work spaces. May work in kitchen/laundry with appliances and restroom spaces.

• Indoor and outdoor work environment.

• Ability to work flexible hours including nights weekends and holidays as needed and scheduled by supervisor.

• Utilizes virtual video conference platforms and social media platforms as a means to communicate and work collaboratively.

MWVCAA is committed to promoting and achieving diversity equity and inclusion with employees and with those we serve. The agency strives to be an employer of choice with a vision for all people to be respected for their infinite worth and supported to envision and reach a positive future.

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race religion color national origin sex sexual orientation gender expression age veterans and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position please notify a member of our team at (503).

*MWVCAA is a Second Chance Employer supporting individuals with criminal records with a fair and equal opportunity at employment. A background check will be conducted for this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an individual from a job unless there is a specific legal exclusion. MWVCAA will consider convictions as they relate to job duties and responsibilities and consider the length of time since the offense.

**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description download below.

If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings please contact Human Resources at or callto ask for a HR Team Member.