Youth Support Specialist - Independent Living Program Hud

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Founded: 1981

Mission: To strive for equity for our youth by valuing and supporting the life they envision.

Values: Trust, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion & Advocacy

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Youth Support Specialist

Employment Classification: Hourly; Non-Exempt

Reports to: Supervisor of Independent Living Program

Department: Youth Programs

Program Summary: Independent Living Program serves as a strategy to help youth transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Position Summary: Youth Support Specialists provide one-on-one engagement, assessment, instruction, guidance, and support to youth (typically ages 18 to 25). YSS will facilitate and provide supportive services that will ensure youth is able to secure and maintain their housing placement and achieve independence.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Participate in partner collaboration meetings and be able to evaluate processes and discuss challenges assigned youth may be experiencing.
• Conduct internal and external referrals and linkages as needed to ensure youth success in their housing placement.
• Regularly meet with youth to support progress toward goals and action plans.
• Provide outstanding customer service.
• Provide 1:1 supportive services to youth who are recipients of HUD vouchers in collaboration and partnership with community partners and funders.
• Maintain contact with stakeholders such as social workers, caregivers, school personnel, etc.
• Complete initial and on-going assessment of youth for eligibility and needs in order to set goals and action plans.
• Other duties as assigned by direct supervisor and management.
• Serve assigned caseload of youth to teach hands-on-life skills development as it relates to the youth being able to thrive in their housing (e.g.: budgeting, shopping for household items needed, obtaining furnishings, teaching cooking and cleaning, etc.).
• Connect youth to Orangewood and community services such as shelters, medical & mental health treatment, public assistance, and other applicable services.
• Provide crisis intervention and link youth to appropriate crisis services.
• Update and maintain web-based database to track notes, goal progress, etc.
• Independently make significant case plan decisions regarding assigned youth.
• Provide a strong, positive, and highly professional presence amongst partners and in the community.
• Participate in all other organization meetings and trainings.

Knowledge, Skill, and Experience Requirements:

• Demonstrate strong, independent project management skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
• Possess knowledge and understanding of higher education, financial aid, scholarships and grants.
• Must be a minimum of twenty-one years old as required by contract.
• One year experience in the human services field, higher education, working with homeless transitional age youth, current and former foster youth, counseling, or relevant experience preferred.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, and drug screen. Previous employment will be verified.
• Be comfortable with and understand adolescent & child abuse issues.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Sociology, Social Work, Education, Psychology, or related field required.
• Ability to multi-task, be detailed oriented, independently make significant decisions, and be a self-starter.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding and be comfortable working with youth who present with, substance use, mental and behavioral health, and/or are homeless.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.
• Must be able to do public speaking and be comfortable speaking on the phone, presenting oneself in professional and community settings.

Essential Qualities:

• Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, values.
• Displays the organization’s essential attitudes by approaching projects, activities, and other job functions with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Passion for and enjoys working directly with TAY population.
• Demonstrates organizational operating principles of Communication and Teamwork.
• Enjoys working directly with youth, volunteers, community partners, etc.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements: Position may require use of personal vehicle. Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending, and lifting up to approximately 50 lbs. (i.e., tables, chairs, food, water, etc.)

Modification to work schedule may be made based on need of the Foundation.

Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.04 - $26.04 per hour

Benefits:

• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Day shift
• 8 hour shift

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person