Youth Specialist – Passageways (Full-time)

BASIC FUNCTION

The Youth Specialists are responsible for the 24-7 safety, supervision, and security of the youth and building at The Link’s Safe Harbor Emergency Shelter and Housing Program for commercially sexually exploited youth. This position provides program supervision and is responsible for supporting youth and promoting a safe, supportive, and nurturing atmosphere.

This position is also responsible for assisting in the holistic case-management support of youth and for developing, supporting and implementing youth programming that is culturally competent and grounded in positive youth development, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.

Essential Functions

• High level supervision of youth and facility at the Safe Harbor Shelter and Housing Program to ensure safety and security for all youth, staff, and community
• Consistently and fairly enforce shelter and supportive housing policies
• Develop and facilitate social, educational, and recreational activities that are grounded in youth development and trauma-informed care
• Interact with police and child welfare for youth who are dropped off to ensure as smooth a transition as possible
• Develop nurturing relationships and maintain healthy professional boundaries
• Conduct full intake with youth entering shelter
• Aid with case management and coordination of services
• Operate phone, security, and front desk systems to create a safe, secure program at all times
• Provide clear and daily communication with Program Manager and other team members to ensure holistic, consistent support and services are in place
• Light cleaning and office maintenance
• Group facilitation
• Complete progress/case notes and maintain participant records
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation services as needed
• Provide transportation as necessary or assigned
• Create and maintain a community and culture that is warm, welcoming and supportive of all youth 24-7

General Responsibilities

• Preserve the integrity of the programs and agency
• Demonstrate commitment to The Link’s mission and vision, and values of equity, diversity and inclusion
• Support the overall growth of the agency
• Maintain positive and healthy relationships with co-workers and other related parties
• Assist where needed as a team player
• Create a safe, respectful, and healthy atmosphere and environment where everyone can grow and learn
• Participate in special projects as necessary
• Attend all meetings and trainings as required
• Maintain positive and professional interactions with clients, co-workers, and all parties involved
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Desire to continuously learn for personal and professional growth
• High level of personal and professional integrity, including ability to protect and maintain confidentiality and data privacy
• Knowledge of advocacy toward girls and women’s rights, gender-based violence, and/or the commercial sexual exploitation of minors
• Creative and able to engage a diverse range of needs and learning styles
• Ability to work effectively with and relate to diverse populations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially for client advocacy
• Proven experience providing 1:1 and group support and/or programming within a shelter or other youth setting
• Knowledge of issues related to minor sex trafficking and gender-based violence, comprehensive programming, child welfare, and court systems
• Knowledge of supportive housing programs and services
• Must be able to be insured via The Link’s transportation/vehicle policy and able to drive Link vehicle

Requirements

• Current driver’s license, reliable vehicle (with current insurance at the levels required by the Link) and ability to pass a criminal, DHS and driving background check
• Consistent, regular attendance is required