Youth Specialist - PLOL (Part-Time)

Mission: The Link works with youth and young families to overcome the impacts of poverty and social injustice. Our 23 programs provide supportive housing, intensive case management services, and skills development to youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness, sex trafficking and/or involvement in the juvenile justice system. The Link prides itself on its innovative, youth-centered, strengths-based programming for youth and families as well as programs that are co-designed, implemented and overseen by youth.

PLOL 382 is a housing community for formerly homeless LGBTQ+ youth ages 18-24. The goal of this program is to create a supportive community with peers and staff, and to assist residents in maintaining stable housing while working towards achieving self-sufficiency and independence.

About the Role

This is a part-time, exempt position based in Minneapolis. The schedule includes 5 hours each Saturday and Sunday, with flexibility on times, and some weekday hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Creates an environment to encourage safe and supportive relationships with residents to staff and their peers
• Solicits feedback from residents to develop group activities
• Leads group activities
• Uses Trauma Informed Care model in interactions with residents
• Confidently utilizes conflict resolution and crisis management skills
• Ensures residents are following the guidelines and policies of the building
• Attends and contributes to regular case review/team meetings
• Assists youth with LGBTQ-specific services and referrals
• Performs general office duties, including light cleaning
• Provides necessary care to therapy animal
• Reports to Program and Case Managers in regard to residents’ concerns and successes
• Preserves the integrity of the programs and agency
• Demonstrates commitment to The Link’s mission and vision, and values of equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Supports the overall growth of the agency
• Maintains positive and healthy relationships with co-workers and other related parties
• Assists where needed as a team player
• Creates a safe, respectful, and healthy atmosphere and environment where everyone can grow and learn
• Participates in special projects and events as necessary
• Attends all meetings and trainings as required
• Maintains positive and professional interactions with clients, co-workers, and all parties involved
• All other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Personal or professional experience within the LGBTQ+ community
• Desire to continuously learn for personal and professional growth
• High level of personal and professional integrity, including ability to protect and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work effectively with and relate to diverse populations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially for client advocacy
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize, coordinate, track and complete multiple tasks as well as adjust to changing priorities
• Computer application proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Completion and satisfactory results of a pre-employment criminal background screening

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience in working with clients who have been homeless and have other housing barriers
• Experience in assisting LGBTQ+ youth in need of various services
• Ability to work effectively with and relate to diverse populations

Pay

$20.13–$23.00/hour based on qualifications.

Schedule

5 hours each Saturday and Sunday, with flexibility on times. Some weekday hours as needed.

Working Conditions

• The employee is regularly required to talk or hear
• The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools, or controls as well as visual acuity
• The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• The employee must lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Work environment includes offices, common and residential space with a low to high noise level
• Ability to work a variable schedule as needed

All agency employees must be able to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion. We are committed to the principle of equity and are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of individuals.