Youth Support Specialist - Project Choice

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Founded: 1981

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

Values: Respect, Trust, Empathy, Inclusion, Advocacy

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Youth Support Specialist – PROJECT CHOICE

Employment Classification: Full-time; Non-Exempt

Reports to: Supervisor of Drop-in Services

Department: Programs

Program Summary: Funded by the Orange County Social Services Agency (OCSSA), the Project Choice program provides engagement, assessment, and support to youth (ages 11 to 21) identified as having been commercially sexually exploited or at-risk of being exploited.

Position Summary: Youth Support Specialist – assists and coordinates support services to meet the needs of youth identified or at-risk of experiencing human trafficking; works to cultivate a survivor centered and trauma informed approach to service provision. Project Choice has three major areas of support: Safety, Basic Needs & Community Engagement.

POSITION SCHEDULE:

• 3rd Saturday of each month: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
• Tuesday/Thursday: 11:30 am - 8:00 pm

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Oversee youth activities while in the drop-in center and promote the center safety guidelines.
• Attend Orange County Grace Court, Juvenile Hall, or Youth Guidance Center to meet with and support youth. Provide transportation and support to youth for various community wide appointments and services.
• Collaborate with service and therapeutic partners to include in project choice programming.
• Provide strength-based, survivor centered care coordination services with a Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care practice utilizing Motivational Interviewing. This includes but not limited to crisis intervention, assessment of needs, safety planning, advocacy, referrals and linkages to supportive services, goal development, relationship building and empowerment by encouraging youth’s autonomy in their decisions while providing non-judgmental care.
• Be available to provide telephone support and in-person crisis de-escalation to target population through on-call system after normal direct service hours.
• Ensure the drop-in center provides a welcoming environment that supports and respects all youth regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Provide support and education to families and caregivers of youth at risk of or with a history of sex trafficking and exploitation.
• Facilitate monthly group meetings to help teach coping skills, build self-esteem, and provide psycho-education on relevant topics.

Education and Experience Requirements

Option 1:

• Completion of sixteen (16) hours of advanced CSEC training on Trauma- Informed care may be substituted for six (6) months of direct or indirect service experience.
• One (1) year experience in direct or indirect service provision to CSEC youth, at-risk youth, youth with substance abuse addiction, and/or experiencing homelessness.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Sociology, Social Work, Education, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field.

OR

Option 2:

• Completion of sixteen (16) hours of advanced CSEC training on Trauma-Informed care may be substituted for six (6) months of direct or indirect service experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a human services field, with a minimum of one (1) year experience in direct or indirect service provision to CSEC youth, at-risk youth, youth with substance abuse addiction, and/or experiencing homelessness.
• Completion of eighteen (18) semester units or equivalent from an accredited college in psychology, counseling, sociology, social work, criminology, or other behavior related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and other Experience Requirements

• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills and ability to establish rapport with CSEC and youth at-risk who may be difficult to engage within different community settings.
• Effective communication skills including writing, public speaking, and conflict resolution/mediation skills.
• Possess a strong understanding of adolescent and child abuse issues, human development, Trauma-Informed care, and the dynamics of sexual exploitation of children.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and employment verification.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Pass a DMV clearance and possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Continually develops self-knowledge of issues of CSEC/human trafficking laws and best practices.
• High tolerance and respect for youth survival actions, while promoting harm reduction strategies.
• Available to work weekends and evenings, as needed.
• Must be at least twenty-four (24) years of age per contract requirements.
• Proficiency in English is required, and bilingual based on community need, is preferred.
• Highly motivated, willing to learn, and able to work independently at times.

NOTE: The above minimum qualifications and minimum experience is subject to review and approval by the funder, OCSSA.

Essential Qualities:

• Models’ leadership and professionalism.
• Displays ethical decision-making ability and confidentiality.
• Understanding of and passion for the Orangewood Foundation’s mission, vision, and values. Demonstrates operating principles of communication and teamwork.
• Displays the essential attitudes by approaching projects, activities and other job functions with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Enjoys working with youth, young adults, volunteers, community partners, etc.
• Must be detail-oriented team player with the ability to self-start.
• Ability to multi-task and maintain organization.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements: Position requires use of personal vehicle to transport youth and occasional driving to meetings, workshops, events, 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:

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

Work Location: In person