Youth Engagement Specialist

Job Description
Classification: Full-time In-Person Non-Exempt
Compensation: $47000- $50423

About MISSSEY

MISSSEY Inc. (Motivating Inspiring Supporting and Serving Sexually Exploited Youth) is a community-based organization founded in 2007 to respond to the epidemic of commercial sexual exploitation in Alameda County CA. Our mission is to provide services to commercially sexually exploited youth and to work for systemic change with the youth we serve. Our trauma-informed survivor-centered and youth-focused services empower young people to transition from victim to survivor to leader. We believe that with the right opportunities and support youth can overcome the circumstances of their exploitation and thrive.

For more information about MISSSEY please visit our website at Summary

MISSSEY is seeking a Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) to identify and engage youth at the Alameda County Assessment Center who are vulnerable to or have experienced commercial sexual exploitation. Reporting to the Integrated Services Manager this role provides prevention intervention and stabilization support for youth in the child welfare system and makes referrals to MISSSEYs case management services as needed.

The Youth Engagement Specialist collaborates across systems participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings and advocates for the needs of exploited young people. The ideal candidate is passionate about youth advocacy system navigation and providing trauma-informed services.

The ideal candidate for this position is:

• Experienced in working with systems-involved youth including those in child welfare and juvenile justice.
• Skilled in youth engagement advocacy and the stages of change model.
• Familiar with trauma-informed healing-centered and harm reduction approaches.
• Adept at crisis intervention de-escalation and restorative practices.
• Able to build relationships with community partners and coordinate supportive services for youth.

Committed to creating a safe reflective and productive culture for youth engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Services (70%)

• Engage and build rapport with youth in the Alameda County Assessment Center milieu space.
• Conduct 1-on-1 prevention sessions with youth identified as vulnerable to exploitation.
• Assess participants vulnerability to or experience with commercial sexual exploitation (CSE).
• Provide crisis intervention safety planning and service linkages for youth.
• Refer youth to MISSSEY case management services for long-term support.
• Provide follow-up support for youth placed in foster care and group homes.
• Attend Team Decision-Making (TDM) meetings advocating for youth using a strengths-based framework.
• Collaborate with child welfare workers caregivers housing providers and other staff to improve collective responses to CSEC.
• Educate county staff caregivers and group home providers about MISSSEYs CSEC trainings and youth-prevention workshops.
• Maintain transparency and assist participants in making informed decisions.
• Provide psychoeducation on sexual exploitation trauma and healing to youth and their support networks.
• Foster an environment that promotes healing empowerment and resilience.

Indirect Services & Administration (25%)

• Ensure youth engagement activities align with contract and grant requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date participant records including intakes releases and documentation.
• Enter case notes in Cityspan database within 24 hours of client contact.
• Track youth participation service engagement and incentives.
• Collaborate with MISSSEYs team to support organization-wide initiatives.
• Participate in weekly supervision work plan development and annual performance reviews.

Other Responsibilities (5%)

• Implement the goals and objectives of the Alameda County Social Services grant.
• Attend staff meetings case conferences and professional training.
• Provide milieu support for drop-in engagement services as needed.
• Contribute to collaborative efforts to improve service delivery at MISSSEY.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Integrated Services.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in strength-based client-centered and trauma-informed care.
• Bachelors degree in psychology social work criminal justice public health or a related field preferred (relevant experience will be considered).
• Experience in youth development crisis intervention and trauma recovery.
• Experience supporting Black Brown LGBTQ and gender-diverse youth

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to build rapport and engage high-risk youth in system-involved settings.
• Knowledge of commercial sexual exploitation human trafficking and at-risk youth populations.
• Strong crisis intervention de-escalation and restorative justice skills.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple youth cases simultaneously.
• Understanding of youth advocacy the child welfare system and harm reduction practices.
• Ability to establish and maintain healthy boundaries with youth.
• Strong organizational and data management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Google Suite and database entry systems.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs for program supplies and event setup.
• Prolonged computer use including data entry and virtual communication.
• Ability to stand for at least 20 minutes during workshops and group sessions.
• Occasional outdoor activities for outreach and community events.
• Shared office space; primary offices are on the second floor without elevator access.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Valid drivers license reliable vehicle and proof of liability insurance required.
• Clean driving record for transporting youth as needed.
• Criminal background check including fingerprint clearance.
• TB clearance and COVID-19 vaccination required (accommodations considered for religious or disability-based exemptions).

Benefits

• 100% Employer-paid Medical Dental and Vision coverage.
• Long-term disability and life insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Schedule including one-week paid winter break.
• Retirement plan with 3% employer match (SIMPLE IRA).
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and bereavement support.

To Apply

To apply for this position please visit and submit a resume and cover letter. Due to the high volume of applicants only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

MISSSEY is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage survivors people of color LGBTQ individuals and those with lived experience in our mission areas to apply.