Youth Site Specialist - Home Youth Services - Day

About the role

MWVCAA invests in people and their futures to reduce the impacts of poverty. We envision a just future, where our communities are empowered to reach positive outcomes and everyone is respected for their infinite worth. Working at MWVCAA means becoming part of a mission-driven community dedicated to equity, dignity, and opportunity for all. As a Youth Site Specialist, you will directly supervise at-risk youth, assist them in obtaining basic needs and navigating resources, and ensure a safe space at the Home Youth Services shelters. This role involves building connections, mentoring, and providing valuable resources to youth residents, with opportunities for growth and professional development through hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary point of contact for respective work shift.
• Train incoming staff members and volunteers on applicable duties, processes, and policies.
• Provide direct supervision to clients in adherence to program and licensing requirements, including teaching independent living skills, goal setting, educational support, and mediating conversations among clients.
• Provide client transportation in Agency vehicles to and from school, appointments, and other assigned outings.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between Case Managers, Site Specialists, and volunteers.
• Assess client eligibility and aid in gathering documentation for intake, enrollment, and shelter placement.
• Focus team toward primary program goals and exemplify a positive work culture, ensuring data collection and quality.
• Input service usage information into the Health Management Information System (HMIS) and Shelter Point.
• Respond to guest questions about clothing, snacks, blankets, restrooms, charging stations, and local resources.
• Monitor program expectations of residents and provide program support, such as house cleaning, site upkeep, laundry, and supportive services.
• Support client engagement and assistance, including answering the telephone, sorting mail, and monitoring client and facility safety.
• Assist other staff and volunteers in providing a calm, clean, and safe environment for residents.
• Share information, resources, and referrals about community partnerships.
• Promote a safe and healing environment for individuals who are victims of trauma through trauma-informed engagements, clear boundaries, and supportive case management.
• Attend and engage in required annual trainings and remain up-to-date on policies and procedures for the ARCHES program.
• Support nutrition staff by completing various kitchen tasks, including cooking meals.
• Participate in Community Outreach to local organizations, camps, and groups as directed by supervisor.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers at all times.
• Facilitate dispensing of medications to clients following proper protocols.
• Perform routine safety and/or bed checks following site protocols.
• Consistent punctuality and reliable attendance are essential.
• Work effectively and maintain positive, professional relationships with team members and clients.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Four or more years of work or volunteering experience in fast-paced customer service, healthcare, education, social or community services, or related public-facing sectors; or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• College coursework in social sciences or related human services preferred but not required.
• Preference given to candidates with work or volunteer experience working with special needs populations and/or experience working with youth or high-risk youth.
• Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory driving record for the previous three years.
• Must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening and an Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check prior to employment.
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.
• CPR/First Aid, Food Handlers card, Mandatory Reporting, Privacy Laws, Trauma Informed Care, Suicide Intervention, Behavior Management Interventions, and Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect trainings and/or certifications required within the first 30 days of employment.

Skills

• Experience with youth mentoring and service delivery is strongly preferred.
• General understanding of de-escalation, role-modeling, and active-listening.
• Ability to build and maintain healthy boundaries and relationships with clients and community partners.
• Demonstrated proficiencies in Microsoft Office (including Outlook), videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.
• Exhibits a positive attitude and engages with others in a cooperative and supportive manner.
• Demonstrates tact, diplomacy, and empathy when communicating formally and informally with clients, staff, and program partners.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Regularly lift and/or move 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling personal items, food, cleaning equipment and supplies, clothing, sacks, carts, office equipment, and use of computers and written intake processing.
• Frequent moving/walking and standing in the shelter setting and outdoor spaces.
• Frequent/occasional driving in all weather conditions in Marion and Polk counties.
• Maintain calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated, applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Regulate emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff.
• Handle pressures of frequent demands for attention, time, and work tasks.
• Ability to reach and/or extend to access materials or equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to focus.
• Able to physically and mentally tolerate escalated, and occasionally destructive behavior from clients, and de-escalate others while responding calmly.
• Ability to proceed independently in accordance with Agency and program policies, guidelines, and initiatives.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs safely and repeatedly.
• Ability to navigate multiple floors without the use of an elevator when necessary.

Work Environment

• Close quarters with residents experiencing chronic homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior.
• Primarily indoor work environment with frequent interruptions and demands.
• Exposure to trash and potential biohazards.
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Required to work outside of normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• This position requires on-site work and is not eligible for remote work.

Benefits

• 401k contribution after 1 year.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Life insurance.
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
• For some positions, employees may be eligible for company-sponsored continuing education.